**** NS SPCA Release
Animal Protection Act Enforcement Results in Large Animal Intake Number at the Nova Scotia SPCA
In under two months, through several ongoing cruelty investigations, the Nova Scotia SPCA has received over 130 seized and surrendered animals into their care. “These animals are defenceless. Through our investigations team, coupled with the life-saving efforts of shelter and veterinary medical staff, we will work to not only hold those responsible for the cruelty to account, but will work tirelessly to heal these precious animals in the hope of finding them loving homes,” said Kevin Strooband, Chief Inspector. As a provincial organization, the Nova Scotia SPCA regularly has hundreds of animals in their care on any given day. What makes these past few months unique is the number of animals with high medical needs. There is no provincial government funding for medical care. “We are estimating the costs for both medical and sheltering care, for these 130 plus animals alone, to be at over $150,000,” says Alicia Avendano, Veterinary Assistant and Shelter Liaison, Nova Scotia SPCA. “Some animals need long-term medical care due to their poor physical condition, and others need emergency care, like Fern, who had 852 porcupine quills that had to be removed. While these animals recover from their medical needs, they still need to stay with the SPCA, which means covering costs for food and shelter, in addition to their medical costs. It all adds up. It is all needed to improve the quality of life of these animals.”
With the Canada Post strike affecting mailed-in donations, the society is looking at a loss in just October of tens of thousands of dollars in donations.
“This many animals, through so few cases, in such a short amount of time, with such high medical needs, means they need help today. These animals need the whole community now. Donations will go towards their rehabilitation and recovery,” says Marni Tuttle, Chief Strategy Officer, Nova Scotia SPCA.
Donations can be made online at www.novascotiaspca.ca/medical-emergency/ or at your local shelter.
