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Troubling times for the SPCA

Nov 25, 2018 | 4:36 PM

 

Medicine Hat, AB – The local SPCA has been dealing with a few issues that have been making it difficult to operate efficiently.

To start, local SPCA Shelter Manager Audrey Becker said their industrial washer is down for repairs.

“Our washer has been working on and off and recently, it’s been more off,” she explained “We’ve decided to order some parts for it and of course, parts for an industrial washer isn’t like going to the local hardware store. So, our washer is going to be down for some time.”

Although this may be an issue, Becker says they brought the problem forward to members of the community and they’re flooding in the doors to help out.

“We are incredibly lucky to have volunteers and people from the public coming in. People have been picking up a load or two, washing and drying those loads and bringing them back. It saves us so much time and effort.”

Becker said she’s been around for awhile and Medicine Hat never surprises her when it comes to these sorts of things.

“It’s quite amazing. I’ve been involved with the SPCA for over thirty-years and I’ve watched it from day one. The people of this community are just so wonderful with just helping wherever they can.”

She then stated that she’s not sure when the washer will be fixed, but she hopes it’s soon.

Now, onto the next problematic situation for the SPCA.

“Right now, we’re probably 20 cats over our capacity. We are only supposed to be taking in owner-relinquished, but we have been taking in a lot of strays from outside of Medicine Hat. That’s caused a lot of issues with our cat population.”

And this has created numerous different issues for the SPCA as a whole.

“It makes for a lot of extra work for the staff and it means bringing in extra staff to make sure everyone is taken care of. The animals probably aren’t getting the attention they deserve either because there’s really no time. It also creates a pile of laundry and of course with the washer down, the timing couldn’t be worse.”

Becker then added that there’s not just an overabundance of cats.

“We’re also filled to capacity with dogs, rabbits and birds as well.”

Thankfully, the adoption process is both quick and painless. Becker uses a cat adoption as an example.

“An adult cat who has been spayed, neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped is only $100. It’s just a drop in the bucket to having a lifetime companion. All a person has to do is fill out an application form and if everything checks out, they can probably take home a kitty the next day.””

Becker then explained that there’s only so much the SPCA can do to reduce their animal population.

“All we can really do as far as reaching out to the public is to encourage them to come and adopt. If they’re contemplating any kind of animal at all, this should be their first stop.”

And if people choose not to adopt, the issue will continue to grow.

“They stay here until they are adopted. That’s why they just keep piling up.”

So if you feel like helping out or checking things out at the SPCA, be sure to stop by next weekend. The local shelter is hosting their annual Christmas party for pets on December 1st and 2nd from 12-4 p.m.