...even if it won't let the public know.
Both these Surrey and Kamloops articles were published on November 7/03.
CEO Craig Daniell: "Despite the cuts, the society can continue its cruelty investigations, direct care of animals, humane education programs and advances in animal welfare science, he [Daniell] said." (Surrey Leader - November 7/03)
Kamloops SPCA manager, Jennifer Gore: ""Further cuts will also have to be made to the rehabilitation, spay/neutering and veterinarian care programs, as well as cruelty investigations. Even though these programs are important, Gore said the growth of the programs have outstripped the income. " (Kamloops The Daily News - Nov. 7/03) "
SURREY LEADER NOVEMBER 7, 2003
Humans out of luck at SPCA
By Julia Caranci
Staff Reporter
After three years of crushing deficits, the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) has announced substantial cutbacks and the layoffs of dozens of workers, including 20 in the Lower Mainland.
Every year, the society provides shelter, adoptions, rehabilitation, rescue and treatment for more than 60,000 homeless and abused animals in B.C.
But increased expenses and high wage costs have left the society in financial distress.
BC SPCA acting CEO Craig Daniell told The Leader the society will end 2003 with a $3-million deficit. The society was $2.6 million in the red in 2001 and more than $4.5 million in 2002.
"We have some pain to go through," said Daniell. "But I am going to balance the budget in 2004."
He said the society has been forced to use its reserves to continue operating.
Daniell said he wants to use reserves for animal welfare projects, including the possibility of a new SPCA building in Surrey.
The cuts, announced Wednesday, will save approximately $1.5 million, and other efficiencies will save an additional $1 million, namely changes to the hours of operation at some branches.
Staff from all over the Lower Mainland will be affected by the lay-offs, including one position based in Surrey, and others in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Vancouver.
The society is also attempting to address wage discrepancies between union and non-union workers. While some positions will be eliminated, other non-union workers' wages will be increased to balance the system.
"In Prince George, the lowest-paid union worker earns more than the highest-paid (non-union) workers in other branches," said Daniell.
"Despite the cuts, the society can continue its cruelty investigations, direct care of animals, humane education programs and advances in animal welfare science, he said. However, he did admit the reduction of operating hours at some branches will affect services. "
The BC SPCA receives no provincial funding, and is run entirely on public and corporate donations, grants from foundations and animal control contracts with municipalities.
http://www.surreyleader.com/ nov. 7/03
KAMLOOPS THE DAILY NEWS – Friday, November 7, 2003
HEADLINE: "Forest fires leave SPCA with money woes"
By Roxanne Hooper
Daily News Staff Reporter
"This summer’s forest fires have forced the B.C. SPCA further into debt. To address the growing deficit, further staff cuts are being made provincewide.
Kamloops’ shelter will not cut staff, but superintendent Jennifer Gore has orders to cut in other areas. Likewise, she expects she’ll be ordered to do more local fundraisers to help balance the budget for B.C. Society for the Prevent of Cruelty of Animals.
The problem is clear: there is a growing gap between the SPCA’s income and the operating expenses, Gore said.
However, when you look at the details that’s where things get complicated.
For the past five months, the animal-welfare organization has been making cuts, including layoffs of management and branch staff. But it hasn’t been enough, Gore said.
Now the provincial organization is laying off 29 more staff in shelters throughout the province, including 20 in the Lower Mainland. As well, five staff at the provincial office have been laid off and several contracts positions are being eliminated.
"Further cuts will also have to be made to the rehabilitation, spay/neutering and veterinarian care programs, as well as cruelty investigations. Even though these programs are important, Gore said the growth of the programs have outstripped the income."
"We have some large debts we have to cover before we can move forward," Gore said.
The final tally is still not available on wildfire bills for the Kamloops shelter, but Gore said it will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. That doesn’t include the debts incurred during the fires in Kelowna.
The Kamloops shelter cared for about 2,000 animals due to the evacuations, received 600 requests for rescues and ended up with about 200 animals surrendered because the owners did not have a home or the resources to care for them any longer.
There were about 600 foster homes and about 400 volunteers donating their time during the crisis. Despite all the donated time and aid there were bills for such things as cellular phones, food and fuel that are still being compiled, said Shawn Eccles, chief animal protection officer for the B.C. SPCA.
What expenses will be covered by the Provincial Emergency Program is still being discussed, and Eccles said that will not likely be known for a few weeks.
Until that information is determined, it’s unclear how much the wildfires are going to be adding to the B.C. SPCA’s overall debt. Gore said it is expected to be a "significant" factor."