The Northern View
SPCA shelter in danger of closing
By Shaun Thomas - The Northern View
Published: February 02, 2010 11:00 PM

Bob Busch of the B.C. SPCA and Prince Rupert branch manager Lindsay Vincent were guests at the January 25 meeting of council, and outlined some serious challenges facing the local shelter that could result in its closure.
The shelter experienced net losses of $58,000, $79,584 and $97,435 from 2007 to 2009 and this year is projecting a loss of $110,000.
“We have been surviving from an estate that left money to the shelter, and that will be running out at the end of this year…This loss represents the highest out of all of our branches and the highest loss per animal,” said Busch, listing employees and vet costs to spay or neuter the animals as the largest expenses and asking council to increase the shelter’s grant from $24,000 to $70,000.
“If the City contributes $70,000 and the SPCA contributes $70,000 we can keep our branch open, otherwise we will be left with few options.”
Currently there are 3.8 full-time equivalent staff at the local shelter, which annually takes in approximately 520 animals, adopts out approximately 216 and sends approximately 164 to the Lower Mainland where homes are more readily available. As for what has caused these issues for the Prince Rupert shelter, Busch said there were a number of factors.
Council will let the shelter know its decision next month.

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http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/thenorthernview/news/83316992.html