The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is a non-profit animal welfare organization which advocates for animal protection legislation, operates animal shelters, and runs educational workshops and public awareness programs throughout British Columbia, Canada.[3][4] Founded in 1896, it is a registered charitable organization and one of the largest such animal welfare organizations in North America. As of 2017, BC SPCA had 36 branches, over 500 staff members, nearly 5500 volunteers, operated 5 veterinary hospitals/clinics and a wildlife rehabilitation centre, and sheltered more than 22000 animals.[5][6] It is also one of the few animal welfare organizations to monitor animals in film.
Quick Facts Abbreviation, Founded ...
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals |
Abbreviation | BC SPCA |
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Founded | 1896; 128 years ago (1896) |
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Type | Charitable organization |
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Registration no. | 118819036RR0001[1] |
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Focus | Animal welfare, education and enforcement |
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Headquarters | 1245 East 7th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1R1 |
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Location | - 42 Shelters
- 5 Animal hospitals/clinics
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
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Area served | British Columbia, Canada |
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Key people | Craig Daniell (CEO)[2] |
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Subsidiaries | BC Pet Registry |
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Revenue (2016) | CA$35,114,749 |
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Expenses (2016) | CA$33,183,436 |
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Staff (2017) | 551 |
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Volunteers (2017) | Approx. 5500 |
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Website | spca.bc.ca |
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Being the only animal welfare organization in British Columbia that is authorized to enforce animal cruelty laws, BC SPCA operates a Cruelty Investigations Department[8] that investigates reports of cruelty towards animals, rescues animals if they are found to be subject to distress, and if required, initiates legal proceedings against perpetrators of acts of cruelty by making recommendations to Crown Council to prosecute. Punishments handed out by the court to persons found guilty in such cases range from revoking permission to own animals to fines and imprisonment. In February 2016, the BC SPCA seized 66 animals from a puppy mill in Langley, one of the largest seizures in the province's history.[9][10][11]
BC SPCA provides medical care to animals through five veterinary practices, including three full-service veterinary hospitals and two spay/neuter clinics launched to reduce pet overpopulation. The society operates a range other facilities including community animal centres (a new model of animal shelter) and store-front education and adoption centres which offer youth education programming and adoptions of cats and small animals. Many of these locations extend their emergency services to injured pets, and may also provide short-term care for pets whose owners are in a crisis situation. Also, it monitors the use of animals in the film industry.
Funding
BC SPCA is a not-for-profit charitable society and relies largely on donations from the public and government grants for its funding.
According to its website, BC SPCA spends approximately $2.5 million per year on animal cruelty investigations,[12] an activity for which it does not receive any government funding and relies solely on public donations.
Every September, the organizations conducts Paws for a Cause walks throughout British Columbia for fundraising.[13]