Since 2004, the BC SPCA has partnered with the City of Cranbrook to provide kenneling services for stray animals. These services are tied to the City’s Animal Control bylaws and are a municipally funded responsibility. This is separate from the core work of the BC SPCA which is funded almost entirely by donations. On average, care is provided to approximately 150-200 stray cats and dogs per year under this kennelling agreement.
“For the past two years, the BC SPCA and the City of Cranbrook have worked closely to determine a renewed service agreement that would meet the needs of both parties. Unfortunately, those discussions were unsuccessful and, therefore, the BC SPCA’s bylaw kennelling services for the City of Cranbrook ended on September 30,” explains Corrie Bownick, manager, Municipal Animal Contracts for the BC SPCA.
Despite significantly increasing costs of animal supplies, veterinary care, vehicle fuel and employee wages, the BC SPCA has only charged nominal annual increases to the City of Cranbrook for the cost of these kenneling services and has subsidized these services through other funding sources.
“There will be absolutely no interruption to the donor-funded services offered to the community through the BC SPCA, including animal protection investigations, owner surrenders, pet adoptions, humane education for youth and outreach services for pet guardians,” says Adrienne McBride, senior director of community animal centres for the BC SPCA. “However, the end of the kennelling contract does leave a gap in the animal care services provided within the city. The BC SPCA has concerns about the potential consequences for stray animals who will be without care or stable housing until the City of Cranbrook establishes a new service provider.”