Sept 13/03
By Chris Bryan
Staff Reporter

Animal control in Richmond could be under new terms, if city council approves a motion being put on the table today.
A staff report to the community safety committee recommends not renewing the city's contract with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at this time, and instead contracting them on a month-to-month basis while the city explores its options.
It's possible the SPCA could even be out of the picture.
"Staff are currently in discussion with the BCSPCA with regard to service delivery models," the report, written by bylaws manager Don Pearson, states. "And are discussing internally other service delivery options."
In the past, the SPCA has been engaged on two year contracts. The current contract expires Dec. 31, and has the city paying $268,000 annually for the provision of animal control regulation and shelter services. In addition, the SPCA keeps all revenues generated through sources such as license, pound and adoption fees.
The BCSPCA has stated its willingness to go month-to-month if service delivery options and contract negotiations are not complete by that time.
Pearson said future of the City-SPCA arrangement lies solely in the hands of council and, if necessary, in negotiation with the SPCA itself.
Coun. Bill McNulty said he's unsatisfied with animal enforcement in the city, and is particularly anxious to see a bylaw dealing with nuisance barking.
"The SPCA, if they can't enforce it and respond with customer service, I'm only going to look at it month-to-month," McNulty said. "People are getting fed up with barking dogs in Richmond."

Back in March 2002, the SPCA was considering opting out of providing animal control and enforcement services, only operating a shelter, according to a city staff report. Staff stated that without city funding, the shelter would likely have to increase licensing fees in order to sustain itself.
Council voted at the time to renew the two-year contract.