The Comox Valley SPCA does not have the capacity to handle an influx of animals expected to come its way now that another agency is handling pound services at the Campbell River SPCA, says the BCSPCA.
Campbell River council has awarded the pound services contract to Coastal Animal Services, which means the SPCA had to vacate the City-owned shelter.
"There's going to be a glut of homeless animals in Campbell River," SPCA spokesperson Lorie Chortyk said. "It's very likely a lot of those animals will need to be sheltered at the Comox SPCA."
The SPCA's Drive for Lives program transfers about 5,000 animals each year from overcrowded shelters to those with space. Chortyk said homeless animals in Campbell River will probably be transferred to Nanaimo or Victoria.
In most communities, the SPCA owns the property. But due to a lack of donations in Campbell River, the association relied on the City's contract, which allowed it to operate out of the shelter.
"When we have town contracts, it's money in, money out, so you're not making money on the contract," Chortyk said.
The contract enabled the SPCA to handle impounded dogs, stray cats and other surrendered animals in Campbell River. The new provider deals only with stray dogs and is open just an hour a day. There are no cat services.
"We've been in contact with the mayor and council asking them to reconsider their decision," Chortyk said. "We don't want to see Comox having to deal with more animals because of the decision made by the Campbell River council."
Despite closing its shelter operations in Campbell River, the SPCA will continue responding to animal cruelty complaints, and offering other services such as spaying and neutering pets, and education programs.
For the past year, Heather's Pet Oral Care & Spaw in Campbell River has been donating new client consultant fees to the local SPCA. Future donations will benefit the Comox Valley SPCA branch.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com