April 12, 2022With Easter around the corner, eggs are a popular item in the shopping carts of many Canadians. Eggs are used for many Easter traditions, such as Easter egg hunts, Easter egg decorating and baking Easter recipes. Sadly, 71% of the eggs produced in B.C. come from laying hens that have spent their entire adult lives …
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News Category: Farm
March 14, 2022What do you know about pigs? There are many misconceptions about pigs, but one thing is known for sure – they are far from ‘boaring’! Here is a list of 10 fun facts you may not know about these amazing farm animals. 1. Pigs don’t sweat Sweat like a pig? While this is a common …
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News Category: Farm
February 7, 2022Mini pigs have experienced a surge in popularity over the past few years. But are mini pigs real? “Mini pigs” is a term used to encompass any smaller breed of pig, and is often substituted with other terms like “micro-pigs,” “pocket pigs,” and “teacup pigs.” They are not a distinct breed, but rather can be …
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News Category: Adoption, Farm, Pet care
February 7, 2022The BC SPCA supports consumers seeking alternatives to eggs produced by caged laying hens. Raising backyard laying hens has become a popular option in both rural and urban areas. However, hens can be a lot of work and bring their own unique challenges, so they aren’t the right fit for everyone. If you are thinking …
Continue reading “Thinking of keeping backyard chickens?”
News Category: Adoption, Farm
December 7, 2021Our goal is to ensure that abused, injured and neglected farm animals receive the veterinary care and rehabilitation they need so they can be adopted to new guardians who will provide them with a safe and happy environment. None of this would possible without your generous support! This holiday season, check out these ways you …
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News Category: Farm
December 3, 2021The National Farm Animal Care Council has released Canada’s first Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Salmonids (salmon, trout, charr). We know that fish are sentient and have the ability to feel pain, fear, and stress. This is an exciting and necessary step towards improved fish welfare on land and sea-based …
Continue reading “First-ever Canadian Code of Practice for farmed fish released”
News Category: Farm
December 3, 2021For many people, fireworks are an exciting and fun experience. But for animals, including those on farms, fireworks can be extremely frightening. Unlike our dog and cat companions, farm animals can’t be brought into our homes to be comforted and protected in the same way we would with our cats and dogs. This means that …
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News Category: Farm, Take action
October 7, 2021For the past 10 months, you have been helping the BC SPCA shine a light on the inhumane mink farming industry, which presents a serious risk to public health in a pandemic. But for two wild mink on Vancouver Island, their rehabilitation story reminds us what is at stake. When an orphaned young mink in …
Continue reading “BC SPCA’s WildARC successfully rehabilitates young mink”
News Category: Farm, Wildlife
September 28, 2021Backyard chickens have become increasingly popular among those looking for a sustainable source of cage-free eggs. Just like cats and dogs, chickens need physical and mental stimulation to live happy and healthy lives. Providing enrichment to chickens has many benefits, including: Provides the opportunity to perform natural behaviours Keeps chickens engaged, reducing boredom and building …
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News Category: Farm
September 28, 2021While cats and dogs may be the first animals that come to mind when you think of the BC SPCA, we also work to protect and enhance the quality of life for farm animals. From horses and pigs to goats and chickens, farm animals are among the thousands of animals we help each year. The …
Continue reading “Annie the stray lamb finds her happy ending”
News Category: Adoption, Farm