A reason to celebrate: 125 years of protecting animals
2020 marks an historic milestone for the BC SPCA – 125 years of serving and protecting animals in British Columbia! More than a million farm, domestic and wild animals have received life-saving help, thanks to our amazing staff, volunteers, supporters and community partners.
From the BC SPCA’s creation in 1895 to our first shelter opening in 1950; from our millionth animal adopted in 2014 to major changes in laws protecting animals in 2019, you’ve helped us transform the lives of millions of animals.
An because of your compassion, loyalty and generosity, we have achieved so much together to improve the quality of life for animals in B.C. and across Canada. As B.C.’s oldest animal welfare charity, we are proud to serve B.C. most vulnerable and at-risk animals. Thank you for joining us in the fight against animal cruelty!
-Craig Daniell
1895
Creation of the BC SPCA
A small group of clergy, journalists and businessmen concerned about the mistreatment of work horses successfully lobbies the B.C government to establish laws protecting animals from abuse and neglect.
Justus Edward Knight of Ashcroft, B.C. leads the push for these laws, which included the creation of a society (the BC SPCA) to enforce them.
Lobbying for Farm Animals
Succesfully advocates issues such as farm animal transportation, slaughterhouses, protection of work horses, mistreatment of animals in rodeos and the emerging Hollywood film industry.
1900
1920
Increase of Stray Cats & Dogs
Attention is directed to domestic animals, as a growing number of strays become victims of starvation, exposure and brutal treatment.
1932
Create the Junior Humane Society to educate children about animal welfare issues.
TODAY: BC SPCA teaches thousands of young people about the compassionate treatment of animals: BC SPCA Kids Club (2004), summer camps BARK magazine & school clubs
1976
Open Canada's First Spay & Neuter Clinic - Vancouver
Low-cost sterilization for thousands of homeless dogs & cats roaming the streets of Vancouver.
Later transitions to a full service hospital for both regular & charitable clients.
The BC SPCA opens a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: Wild ARC
Today staff & volunteers have treated 50,000 injured and orphaned wild animals (over 140 species!) since the facility opened in Metchosin on Vancouver Island,
BC SPCA helps fund the creation of University of British Columbia's Animal Welfare program
Continues today and highlight’s the society strong commitment to supporting education and research that improves the lives of animals.
In 2019, the SPCA supports a new chair in companion animal research.
1997
New Legislation Passes to Protect
Exotic Animals
As well as the launch of B.C.’s first symposium on exotics, bringing government officials, academics and industry reps to work on protection for wild animals.
2008
Leading the Charge for Inhumane
Farm Animal Reforms
Achieving national phase-outs of barren hen cages and pig stalls, and new federal animal transport laws.
Advoacy Wins: the ban of retail pet sales, an end to the grizzly bear trophy hunt, increased protection for animals used in dog and cock fighting and an end to the captivity of whales and dolphins.
2014
2015
The Million Mark. The BC SPCA
adopts its 1,000,000th animal!
Creation of BC Pet Registry
B.C.’s first centralized pet identification database to help quickly reunite lost pets with their guardians.
Nearly 90,000 animals are registered in the database.
Growing & Updating to Better Serve
A comprehensive Facilities Development & Services Plan is born to replace or refurbish aging SPCA facilities across the province.
New facilities in Penticton, Maple Ridge, Powell River, Nanaimo, West Kootenay, Kamloops, Dawson Creek, Tri-Cities and the Sea to Sky corridor, as well as large-animal barns in Surrey and Kelowna and a cat intake facility in Surrey.
Creation of AnimalKind to support
Humane Training Education
A science-based accreditation program offering humane animal services, focusing first on humane pest control companies and humane dog trainers.
2016
2020
Celebrating our 125th Birthday
The BC SPCA is one of the largest animal welfare organizations of its kind in North America, helping nearly 48,000 animals each year.