Hundreds of animals in SPCA's care as adoptions slow down for 1st time since pandemic began
With pet adoptions slowing down for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the B.C. SPCA says it has hundreds of animals in its care.
Early in the pandemic, the SPCA saw a flood of interest in animal adoption.
"When a puppy came into our care, we would have multiple applications – sometimes up to 100 – within 24 hours," said the SPCA's Lorie Chortyk in a news release.
"People were very keen to adopt, and this interest in adoption has remained strong until now."
Chortyk said there's been an "abrupt slowdown" in adoption applications, even for puppies, which are usually very popular.
"We currently have more than 1,500 animals in our care – about 700 in our shelters and the rest in volunteer foster homes," Chortyk said.
"During the summer, we always have a huge influx of kittens needing homes, but this year we have so many other animals awaiting their forever homes as well."
In spite of the significant number of animals in its care, the SPCA said it didn't see a rise in surrendered animals to its centres, like other Canadian shelters have recently.
"We did not see this particular trend in our facilities, but we always have a lot of animals coming into our care on a daily basis through cruelty investigations, animal abandonment or strays who go unclaimed," Chortyk said.
"Our goal is always to find a wonderful home for these animals as quickly as possible."
While cats and dogs of all ages tend to be the most popular, the SPCA also has many other animals.
"We currently have 110 rabbits available for adoption – more than twice the number we had at this time last year – as well as guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals, horses and farm animals such as goats, pigs and chickens," Chortyk said.
"We have so many incredible animals in our care who want nothing more than to be part of a forever family."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.