When many people think of the BC SPCA, they think primarily of our branches caring for cats and dogs. But each year hundreds of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and other small animals are surrendered at shelters across the province.
In this month’s Anim@ls we highlight some of the wonderful pint-sized pets who need loving homes. We also focus on some ways that you can make a difference for animals, including participating in the upcoming Charity Challenge run/walk or considering a program that encourages brides and grooms-to-be to say “I do” to animal welfare.
Thank you for supporting all the animals in our care – both great and small!
With appreciation,
Lorie Chortyk General Manager, Community Relations
PS. You can multiply your impact! Forward this message to friends, family and colleagues.
March 2012 Issue 109
Often animals that are in foster care get overlooked for adoption in favour of an animal that is in one of our shelters. Sky is hoping someone will make the effort to give her a "fur-ever" home.
Small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and hamsters do not require a ton of room in your home – just your heart.
This March, the BC SPCA is drawing attention to the many small animals available for adoption at shelters across the province. Small animals make wonderful pets, as long as you know what to expect.
Stop by a BC SPCA shelter, and you might just catch a glimpse of stars like Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Joan Jett, Chuck Berry and even Leonardo DiCaprio.
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. They may be little, but – like their real-life counterparts – they have larger-than-life personalities!
The BC SPCA is recruiting runners and walkers to fundraise for the 2012 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge Half-Marathon and 5k on June 24 in Vancouver.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or recreational walker you can make a difference in the lives of animals in desperate need of your help.
Don’t forget, we will support you every step of the way on your fundraising and training journey. Visit the Charity Challenge web page for more information
Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Richmond, Delta, Nanaimo and Vancouver are just a few of the B.C. communities that have experienced dramatic increases in pet rabbit colonies in the past few years. All of these colonies started with irresponsible rabbit guardians whose pets were either intentionally released or escaped their care.
Despite it being illegal to abandon a pet, people mistakenly believe their released rabbit will be able to survive on its own. The sad reality is that life for a released rabbit is short and grim – and the same goes for their offspring.
Just like cats and dogs, small animals have specific care requirements. Before you head to a BC SPCA shelter to adopt, check out our pet care pages first to learn what you need to do to keep your potential pet happy and healthy.
The BC SPCA is asking brides and grooms-to-be to consider sharing their special day with the many homeless, abused and neglected animals in B.C.
By choosing to donate to the BC SPCA in lieu of traditional wedding favours or asking for donations to be made in lieu of gifts, you can honour your guests and provide a brighter future for animals in need. Visit our wedding page for more information.
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.
The stalls, which prevent pregnant pigs from turning around, are still permitted in Canada even though they are already being phased out elsewhere around the world. The BC SPCA is working to address sow stalls through a negotiation of new Canadian Codes of Practice for farm animals.
Donor of the month: The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada (AWFC)
For more than a decade, the AWFC has been a generous supporter of the SPCA Certified program, which improves the welfare of more than 300,000 farm animals annually.
The foundation has also supported the development of farm animal welfare standards and practical resources and tools to help farmers evaluate and improve the welfare of the animals they raise. Just this year, the AWFC provided a $20,000 grant towards the sustainable growth of the SPCA Certified program.
Mice, like many other rodents, communicate with each other using
ultrasonic sounds beyond the range of human ears. As part of their
courtship display, male mice serenade females with song-like vocalizations in
the hopes of attracting a mate.
The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in British Columbia. The Society provides a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
BC SPCA Charitable Registration No. BN 11881 9036 RR0001
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