BC SPCA to close centre; pilot community-based service model in Nelson
By Contributor
The BC SPCA has recently been advised by the landlords of its Nelson Adoption Centre that they would like to reclaim use of this space for an expansion of their local foodbank services. As the BC SPCA currently operates two full-service community animal centres serving the Kootenays, the 6-year-old West Kootenay community animal centre in Castlegar and the East Kootenay community animal centre in Cranbrook, the current Adoption Centre in Nelson will be closed to the public as of November 10, 2024.
“The BC SPCA is committed to the provision of important animal welfare services and maintaining a presence in Nelson and the surrounding areas. We will be piloting a community-based model for providing our programming instead of seeking a new facility to operate from,” explains Craig Daniell, chief executive officer for the BC SPCA. “Offering services through a community-based model, rather than out of a physical facility, will allow the organization to help the largest number of animals while ensuring the most vulnerable still receive the direct and hands on care they need.”
Daniell stresses that many of the services offered to the Nelson and surrounding communities are already provided by regional, or even provincial, teams. “Some of our programs, such as youth education, are offered in different settings like in classrooms or public libraries and are not tied to a physical BC SPCA facility. Through a community-based model, we will continue to adapt the way we bring services to the community, rather than relying on the community having to come to us for the support they need.”
“While this community-based model will be designed specifically with the unique needs of the Nelson and surrounding communities in mind, the ultimate intent is to help more animals stay with their loving families,” says Daniell. “This approach has successfully served other parts of the province by deepening relationships with local animal-focused organizations, establishing food bank partnerships, and expanding the volunteer program to help community members access BC SPCA services.”
In 2023, the BC SPCA in Nelson supported animal needs through a number of regionally and provincially provided services in the Kootenays, which will continue under a community-based service model:
- 295 animal protection files were actioned in the Kootenay region, 20 of them in Nelson.
- More than 1,000 animals in need were provided meals through the pet food bank.
- 6 emergency pet boarding requests were facilitated in Nelson.
- 1,003 Kootenay-area students were able to participate in humane education programming.
- 53 vouchers have been issued since October 2023 until now to community members in need of support with spaying or neutering their pet, thanks to granting from the BC SPCA’s amazing community partners including the Osprey Community Foundation and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
As the BC SPCA transitions to this new community-based service model in Nelson over the coming months, community members are encouraged to call the BC SPCA’s Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 for guidance if they need assistance from the BC SPCA or would like to report suspected animal cruelty.
Comments