Feeding wildlife may seem like an enjoyable way to connect with nature, but often it leads to serious problems for species like squirrels, raccoons, deer, and bears, doing more harm than good. Even bird feeding is controversial and the pros and cons of the activity need to be considered along with the responsibilities that come with it.
The BC SPCA invites you to an animal-themed day of fun this May. Open House events take place at the South Okanagan and Campbell River branches this Sunday, May 12, as well as at the Alberni-Clayoquot branch on May 26 and the North Peace branch on June 9.
The BC SPCA is inviting animal lovers to start registering today for the annual Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk, being hosted in 35 communities across the province on Sept 9.
May is Adoption Awareness Month and there are thousands of wonderful animals in BC SPCA branches across the province who can’t wait to meet their new family.
Crown counsel today announced charges of animal cruelty (Criminal Code, Section 445.1(1) (a)) against Bob Fawcett, former general manager of the Whistler-based Howling Dog Tours, for causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a number of sled dogs in April 2010.
The BC SPCA’s chief executive officer Craig Daniell says the society is pleased with the progress being made to address the SPCA’s main concerns about Bill 24, a bill introduced by the Minister of Agriculture Don McRae on March 6 to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The Kamloops SPCA is turning to the public to raise funds for the treatment of Trooper, a courageous, 6-month-old stray puppy, who ended up stranded with a broken femur on a highway in Chase, BC
Find a treasure for you or your home at the Vernon Branch Garage Sale on May 5, 2012.
All proceeds will support homeless, injured and abused animals in the care of the BC SPCA Vernon & District Branch.
The BC SPCA is appealing to British Columbians who are concerned about the impact of proposed changes to the Prevent of Cruelty to Animals Act on B.C.’s most vulnerable animals to help take action to stop Bill 24.
A resident of Oyama, a community north of Kelowna, has been convicted of animal cruelty after the BC SPCA took custody of his injured lab-cross dog in an investigation in September 2011.
They are the unsung heroes of homeless and abused animal in B.C. - the 4,000 volunteers who help the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) care for more than 32,000 animals in need every year.
The BC SPCA would like to congratulate the early bird prize winner in the 2012 BC SPCA Lottery... for the animals. Donald and Helen Romero of Abbotsford won the early bird prize of $5,000, drawn earlier today.
Brentwood Bay residents David Whiffin and Clayton Cunningham, who starved and hung their 27-year-old Appaloosa gelding named Jalupae, were sentenced today to a five-year ban on owning animals.
Langley veterinarian Mark Marohn was found guilty today of animal cruelty under both the Criminal Code of Canada and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after the BC SPCA discovered six emaciated and badly neglected horses in his care. Marohn was charged in April of 2009.
BC SPCA animal cruelty investigators are seeking the public’s help in solving a shocking case of animal cruelty in Dawson Creek. A cat has been found frozen in a block of ice. Please note, story contains photographs that may be disturbing.
The BC SPCA says the proposed changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, introduced by the government today in Bill 24, have no benefits for animals in B.C.
The tides are turning for pig welfare with food chain giant McDonalds USA announcing it will soon purchase pork only from farms that have replaced their confining gestation stalls.
Throughout March, the BC SPCA is shining a spotlight on the many small animals available for adoption whose namesakes are inspired by famous Hollywood celebrities and popular TV characters.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2012 BC SPCA Lottery… for the animals, which funds urgently-needed medical care, sheltering, spay and neuter services, advocacy, adoption and foster care programs and more for homeless and abused animals in BC SPCA shelters provincewide.
The BC SPCA is excited to announce the launch of an innovative new online pet search site that will help reunite thousands of lost pets with their anxious families.
The generosity of SPCA supporters, donors, foster families, adopters and volunteers make a difference every day. Visit this spot daily over the next 12 days for 12 stories of extraordinary people and animals.
The BC SPCA Surrey Branch would like to thank all those who donated blankets, towels and sheets. The facility is now well stocked thanks to the support of the local community. The shelter will continue to accept donations of cat and dog canned food, toys, collars/leashes.
Go “wild” with your gift-giving this holiday season by sponsoring a special wild animal for that person on your list who loves wildlife and the environment.
The holidays are for sharing, and if you have an animal lover on your gift list, what better way to honour them than with a gift that helps animals in need?
The BC SPCA is trying to find “forever homes” for hundreds of homeless animals during the month of December through its Home for the Holidays pet adoption drive. SPCA shelters, adoption centres and volunteer-run branches currently have 4,000 homeless cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, rabbits and small animals in care.
A new and innovative film festival showcasing local wildlife-inspired short films and documentaries, The Paws and Claws Film Festival, presented by the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre, (Wild ARC) debuts today. Films can be viewed online and viewers can vote for their favourite film now through November 4.
With the cold fall weather upon us we tend to cling to home, which makes this time of year all the more poignant for those who don't have one. Across the province, BC SPCA shelters have many animals waiting patiently for new forever homes, but none more so than senior animals.
The BC SPCA has designated October to raising awareness about farm animals and beginning with World Farm Animals Day on October 2, celebrated on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday and observed in dozens of countries all over the world.
Have you ever stood and gazed at the selection of eggs at a grocery store and wondered what the differences are? Thanks to a new BC SPCA video, you might just find the choices much less overwhelming.
The BC SPCA has earned an "A" rating for overall efficiency, donor stewardship and transparency in a recent survey of 100 Canadian charities by MoneySense magazine.
British Columbia is home to the largest black bear population in North America. As urban centres expand throughout the province, people and black bears are brought closer together and conflicts between the two are on the rise.
When looking for a new four-legged family member, only 17 percent of people choose to adopt from a shelter. To help raise the profile of shelter dogs, the BC SPCA has designated September "Adopt a Dog Month".
Beaches are popular summer destinations - not just for us, but for wildlife too. Beginning in June, beaches all along the coast are transformed into harbour seal nurseries.
Animal lovers around the province are urged to slide into their favourite pair of walking shoes and get moving to help a furry friend. Registration is open for the annual Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause.
Calling all backyard photographers - it's time to show the world your talent! The annual BC SPCA Wildlife-In-Focus photography contest is now open and photos submitted by August 15 will be considered for an upcoming book.
Nine-year-old Violet Beech has been making art since she was a toddler.
Her own animals, feline friend Butterfly and pooch Lola, were the inspiration for Violet's winning entry in the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause T-shirt contest.
The Vernon and District BC SPCA is asking for the public's help in identifying five barely four-week-old puppies who were abandoned beside a dumpster at the Petro Canada station at 27th Street and 48th Avenue Tuesday afternoon.
With summer upon us, Farmers' Markets throughout the province are in full swing. Bustling markets, filled with delectable foods, are the perfect place to seek out SPCA Certified meats, cheeses and cage-free eggs.
In animal welfare organizations, the huge influx of surrendered and abandoned kittens that begins in May and continues throughout the Fall is commonly known as the "mountain of kittens".
Sunscreen. Check. Hat. Check. Sunglasses. Check. Forgetting anything?
Pets are easy to overlook when it comes to protection from the sun. But your animals can enjoy the season, too ??? with a few precautions.
Congratulations to the BC SPCA "What's in a name?" Facebook contest winner, Kara Krisandra Johnson. Her twin kittens Henrik and Daniel, named in honour of the Vancouver Canucks dynamic duo, received the most "Likes" at facebook.com/bcspca.
Today, the 100th issue of the BC SPCA e-Newsletter, Anim@ls was received by animal lovers throughout the province of B.C., North America and as far away as Brazil, Belgium and Australia.
The province introduced proposed changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in the legislature today to better protect animals from suffering and abuse.
The BC SPCA Vernon & District Branch invites you to an animal-themed day of fun on Saturday, May 14. The event, presented by Hill???s?? Science Diet??, takes place from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the BC SPCA Vernon & District Branch, 4800 Haney Road, Vernon.
They are the unsung heroes of homeless and abused animal in B.C. - the 4,000 volunteers who help the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) care for nearly 34,000 animals in need every year.
The BC SPCA is declaring April Wildlife Awareness month and urging the public to become proactive in helping protect and appreciate the diversity of species with which we share the planet.
February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and the BC SPCA is urging pet guardians and all animal lovers to do their part to help end the tragedy of pet overpopulation.
Is one of your new year???s resolutions to lose weight? Why not leash up your pooch and take on that challenge together with daily walks and play time?
Looking for some last-minute gift ideas for your furry friends? Humane collars, glam ID tags and toys that test your pet's problem-solving skills are fun and functional.
From purchasing humanely raised food products to becoming a Guardian Angel, the BC SPCA offers lots of ways you can help B.C.???s most vulnerable animals this holiday season.
Long before a spider named Charlotte teamed up with a pig named Wilbur in one of the most celebrated children???s stories of all time, books about animals have been popular gifts at this time of year.
Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against a Vanderhoof resident after BC SPCA constables seized 25 shepherd- and terrier-type dogs and 21 cats from his property.
The BC SPCA???s new Guardian Angel program allows supporters to help some of the most vulnerable creatures in the society???s care, one special animal at a time.
With the click of a mouse, the BC SPCA???s Pawsitive Gifts program allows you to buy something special for the animal lover on your list this holiday season while at the same time help some of B.C.???s most vulnerable creatures.
Bring your dog inside. That???s the plea from BC SPCA cruelty investigators after responding to dozens of calls across the province about dogs left outside in record-breaking frigid temperatures.
Don???t let the ghosts, ghouls and goblins get to your pet this Halloween.While Halloween is fun for trick-or-treaters, it can be a scary and dangerous time for both pets and farm animals.
The City of Richmond is poised to become the first jurisdiction in Canada to ban the sale of puppies in pet stores, a significant step forward in the fight against puppy mills. Find out how you can join the fight!
It was raining cats and dogs, but we still couldn???t keep you away! To our thousands of supporters from across the province, we want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
The BC SPCA is expressing strong disappointment in the light sentence given to Armstrong residents Sandra and Jim Tullett after the couple was convicted of animal cruelty in a Vernon court this week.
The BC SPCA is applauding the quick actions of Ministry of Environment staff in applying the province???s new regulations on exotic animals to travelling circuses.
If you think your fat cat is phat, he???s not. Obesity in companion animals is a major health concern and can lead to diabetes heart disease, arthritis, chronic pain and a host of other problems, including a shortened life.
The most effective way to protect the public from dangerous dogs is with multifaceted strategies that address aggressive behaviour in dogs of any and all breeds.
Animal lovers across the province are gearing up for the largest single event supporting animals in B.C. - the 2010 Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause.
Pollution, climate change, human encroachment... Wildlife have to navigate many harms, including the impacts of direct or indirect and intentional or unintentional activities that can greatly affect their conservation and welfare.
As the temperature rises, so do health risks to your pet. The BC SPCA is once again reminding pet guardians to play it cool with their animals this year, and offers tips on how to keep pets safe.
The BC SPCA is looking for the next Pablo Petcasso! Now till midnight July 23, kids up to 13 years of age are invited to submit their original artwork in the 2010 Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause Kid's T-shirt Contest.
The BC SPCA has re-launched biscuitfund.ca with a fresh new look and many great features. The Biscuit Fund for Medical Care helps provide veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to homeless and wild animals.
The BC SPCA is thrilled to announce that Rondriso Farms (Surrey, B.C.) recently became SPCA Certified for beef and is the newest farm to join this third-party certification program.
Do you know a woman in your community who???s making a difference in the lives of animals? Submit her story and you could win a pair of tickets to the popular all-female festival, Lilith Fair.
BC SPCA officials are expressing disappointment today with Crown counsel???s decision not to proceed with charges of animal cruelty against Mountain View Conservation and Breeding facility in Langley.
We're calling it our Family Campaign, and we're thrilled to announce that hard-working staff from our shelters, clinics, adoption centres and our provincial office in Vancouver donate thousands of dollars annually to animals in need.
The Globe and Mail has covered the issue of farm animal transport in a June 2 article, revealing that "Canadian standards for farm-animal transport are dangerously lax."
This annual fundraiser for the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre is a fun way to capture a special moment with a wild animal and share it with other nature-lovers!
With the lazy, hazy, hot days of summer steadily approaching, the BC SPCA reminds pet guardians to play it cool with their animals this year, and offers tips on how to keep pets safe.
Our adoptable animals are so beautiful, they oughta be in pictures! And they are - check out the Province newspaper's online photo gallery featuring adoptable animals in BC SPCA shelters across B.C.
A new poll released by the Associated Press and Petside.com has revealed more people are planning to adopt their next pet, rather than buy from a pet store.
The BC SPCA and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies have presented federal authorities with a report of concerns regarding horse slaughter in Canada.
The BC SPCA has received numerous calls and emails from caring members of the public wanting to help with the devasting disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
The BC SPCA has completed filming of a new direct-response television campaign, featuring internationally known celebrity and B.C. native, Jason Priestley.
Thanks to all who participated in the BC SPCA 2010 Lottery...for the Animals! Due to your overwhelming support we experienced another very successful year!
Buy her a BC SPCA Pawsitive Gift and help homeless animals at the same time! The Pawsitive Gifts program is a convenient way for you to see the difference your support makes, and to share their generosity with a special person ??? like mom!
The BC SPCA announces the 2011 Animal Lovers??? Calendar contest, a chance for your furry friend to win one of 12 coveted spots in the non-profit society???s popular annual calendar.
The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the District of Maple Ridge held a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the start of construction on a new state-of-the-art community animal centre in Maple Ridge.
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled in favour of the BC SPCA in a dispute over the seizure of 28 thin and emaciated horses and 39 terrier mix dogs and puppies last year.
Why do chickens dust bathe? Why did animal welfare researchers take overhead photographs of egg laying hens in barns? If you can't answer these questions, you need some FarmSense!
Grizzly bears are an iconic animal in British Columbia and B.C. residents take pride in the fact that our province is host to some of the bears??? last remaining territory in the world.
Between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2009, Wild ARC, the society???s wild animal rehabilitation centre on Vancouver Island, hosted Wildlife In Focus, a unique annual wildlife photography contest showcasing the community???s best shutterbugs.
Since our alert about foie gras last month, we've heard from people across B.C. who were disappointed to see foie gras on the menu of their favourite restaurant.
If you are an animal lover, you won't want to miss an inspiring film about a woman who has revolutionized the way we think about animal behaviour and emotions, set to air next week.
For just a loonie, you can change the life of a homeless animal. The BC SPCA is launching a month-long, provincewide ???Loonies for Love??? campaign Feb. 1 to help homeless and neglected animals in local communities.
The Year of the Tiger is just around the corner, and the BC SPCA invites animal lovers across the province to celebrate the year by adopting a feisty feline from their local animal shelter.
Carla Christman is charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code after BC SPCA constables acting on a search warrant seized 28 thin and emaciated horses languishing with untreated injuries on her property.
The BC SPCA reminds members of the public that the permitting phase of the provincial government's new regulations governing the keeping of exotic wild animals is now in effect.
Thanks to the support of 75,000 Canadians, the House of Commons has unanimously passed a motion to support the development of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).
Why go big when you can go green? And be cost-effective! Our popular BC SPCA 2010 Animal Lovers' Calendar has a brand new look and a convenient datebook size.
The society's signature event, the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause, exceeded its goal of $950,000 and raised more than $1 million this year, thanks to the outstanding efforts of sponsors, donors, staff, volunteers and participants.
Special constables seized 73 animals from a Vernon area property yesterday. The animals were removed after their owner failed to comply with SPCA orders to improve conditions for the animals.
Although the urgent threat of many of the Interior fires has abated, the BC SPCA continues to monitor and rescue animals from behind fire evacuation lines and to provide temporary care for the pets of displaced families.
The BC SPCA and other rescue organizations are working around the clock to rescue animals from behind fire evacuation lines and to provide temporary care for the pets of displaced families.
The total number of animals rescued by BC SPCA officers or surrendered to the SPCA for temporary boarding during the Interior wildfires has now reached 695
The BC SPCA's Vernon & District Branch is asking for assistance - and offering it - as the Terrace Mountain fire forces the evacuation of hundreds of people from their homes.
With another scorcher predicted in most parts of the province this weekend, the BC SPCA is offering tips on how to keep pets safe and cool. The first and most obvious recommendation is not to leave your pet in the car.
The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is mourning the loss of one of their own following a motor vehicle accident in Williams Lake on June 23.
The B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, B.C.'s largest non-profit animal welfare society, has entered into a two-year partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada Inc.
The BC SPCA's branches, shelters and community animal centres across the province are competing in the second annual Great BC SPCA Adoption Challenge to find new, loving homes for as many animals as possible between May 1 and 31.
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