BC SPCA Community Consultation Summary Report & Recommendations

Presented by the Independent Panel
Marguerite Vogel, Chair

Panel Members:
Hon. Kim Husband
Mike Woodworth
Dr. Ken Langelier, D.V.M.
Joan McArthur-Blair

November 3rd, 2001

Pet Overpopulation

Recommendations

The independent panel recommends that the BC SPCA should take a more proactive role in reducing the number of surplus and unwanted animals. We believe that the BC SPCA could reduce pet overpopulation by implementing a number of key strategies, including the development of new and stronger spay/neuter programs, improved adoption and follow-up programs, fostering programs, advocacy initiatives, education and public awareness campaigns and community partnerships.

We recommend that shelter animals be professionally assessed to determine their temperament and needs. Also, more pre-screening of guardians by qualified adoption counselors (staff and/or volunteers) is recommended to appropriately match the needs of the pet with the guardian, and to ensure the guardian is willing to take on the responsibility of pet ownership. In short, taking the time needed to find the right home for each shelter animal.

As stated, spay/neuter programs alone are not the answer to reducing pet overpopulation. Therefore our recommendations include approaches that focus on both reducing the birth rate and on increasing adoptions at BC SPCA shelters. Some of the recommendations that relate to increasing adoptions have also been noted earlier under Animal Shelters.

Our specific recommendations call for the BC SPCA to:

Reduce birth rate

Urgent

* Lead by example and spay and neuter all shelter animals prior to adoption.

* Establish a cooperative, non-competitive relationship with the veterinary community in all regions of BC with an eye to expanding community-based spay neuter programs.

* Mount major educational and public awareness campaigns to encourage pet guardians to sterilize their pets; work with municipalities and the veterinary community to deliver responsible pet guardian information.