Dear friend,

May is Be Kind to Animals Month, when communities across B.C. celebrate the unique bond we share with our furry friends. 

One of the important ways that you can make a difference is to share your opinions about animal issues in our BC SPCA survey during May. Information gathered in this short survey will be used to guide the BC SPCA program and services during its 2014-18  strategic plan. We hope you will take a few minutes to provide your valuable insights into how the SPCA can best serve animals in your community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Much appreciation,
Lorie Chortyk
General Manager, Community Relations

PS. You can multiply your impact! Forward this message to friends, family and colleagues.

May 2013
Issue 123

Meadow is stunning, long haired grey feline. Her favourite things to do include looking absolutely fabulous, snuggling with other cats and sleeping all day.

Is Meadow your kind of kitty? Read more about Meadow. 

Read more about Eggnog's happy ending story

BC SPCA seeks public input on animal issues

The BC SPCA is seeking public input about pressing animal issues facing B.C. communities as it begins a strategic planning process to guide its programs and services from 2014 to 2018.

A link to a short online survey will be posted on the BC SPCA website throughout May for feedback.

“As a charity that relies on community support, we always have to evaluate and assess how we can use our limited resources most effectively for the animals,” says BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell. “Public comment is an important part of our decision-making and we hope people will take the time to offer their views.”

You’re invited!

The BC SPCA invites you to visit your local SPCA for an animal-themed day of fun this month. Open House events, presented by Hill’s® Science Diet®, will take place on Saturday, May 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at most SPCA locations across B.C. (check your local branch website beginning May 13 for more details).

Be kind to animals this May – and all year round

May is Be Kind to Animals Month, a perfect chance to give back to the animals who play such an important role in our lives.

Do you know how you will be celebrating yet? The BC SPCA has a few suggestions to get you started.

Register today for the 2013 Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause!

This September 8*, you can give hope to the animals that need you most. Register for the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause and join thousands across the province to raise $1 million for the life-saving work of BC SPCA branches.

Start your fundraising now! Register in May to receive a 50% discount on your walk’s registration fee. The top fundraiser in May will receive two gift certificates for Coast Hotels & Resorts.

*Date varies in some B.C. communities. Check the event site for local walk details.

Cast your vote with animals in mind

Millions of farm, companion and wild animals call British Columbia home. None of them get to cast a ballot in the upcoming provincial election on May 14, but you do!

Regardless of how you plan to vote, you can help animals by voicing your concerns to party leaders, candidates and campaign volunteers who phone or come knocking on doors during the election campaign. Read more about how to share your opinion about animal welfare with our leaders.

BC SPCA summer camps have something for everyone

Where can kids hang out with kittens, examine owl pellets, meet goats, make hummingbird feeders and play salmon spawning tag – all in one day? BC SPCA summer camps strike the perfect balance of entertainment and learning. Specially designed games, activities, skits and crafts allow kids to have a blast while discovering the world of animals and animal welfare issues.

Camps are filling fast! Register online for various locations across the province.

Challenge yourself to change the lives of animals in need

Join Team BC SPCA and run the half-marathon or 5k in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge June 23 in Vancouver. Put yourself to the test by committing to your fitness while raising essential funds for B.C.’s most vulnerable animals. Up for the challenge?

Register today and we will provide you with comprehensive fundraising and training support.

How many days have you loved your pet?

We're celebrating the joy of pet guardianship and we want pet lovers to join us! From May 1 to 15, share your pet photos on Facebook and Twitter telling us how many days you've loved your pet.

Your pet’s photo may be included in our “I’ve Been Loved” Pinterest board or in an upcoming BC SPCA video to promote pet adoption.

Find out how you can participate.

Inside the Henhouse

Each year in B.C., more than two million hens lay 636 million eggs. That's approximately 275 eggs per year per hen! Ninety-five per cent of these birds live on conventional egg laying farms where they spend their entire lives in small, cramped cages called battery cages.

But are battery cages necessary for egg production? Watch our video Inside the Henhouse to hear from animal welfare scientist Dr. Ian Duncan and learn more about how hens are raised in Canada.

Owner of dog left in dumpster pleads guilty

Brian Whitlock, the owner of a two-year-old German shepherd who was found wrapped in a bloody blanket inside a Vancouver dumpster on July 18, 2012, entered a guilty plea on April 9 in the case.

The critically injured dog, named Captain, was conscious but unresponsive and was suffering from serious lacerations and massive bruising to his head and body. Despite intensive, around-the-clock care Captain succumbed to his severe injuries and died of cardiac arrest the following day.

Donor of the month: Brian Jessel BMW

This spring, Brian Jessel BMW of Vancouver led the way to success for the BC SPCA’s first National Cupcake Day fundraiser.

By providing more than 600 cupcakes and generously matching all donations, the dealership raised an impressive $6877 in support of homeless, neglected and abused animals. Their remarkable achievement earned Brian Jessel the title of top fundraising team in B.C.

In honour of their generous support, we invite our branches to name homeless animals Brian this month.

Paw Patter

Talk about kindness to animals! At just three years old, Aubrey is already making a big difference in her community. She collected $216 at her birthday and donated the money to the Kamloops SPCA to help animals in need. High Paws, Aubrey!

For more inspirational stories like Aubrey’s, visit our youth High Paws.

Events coming up this month:

2013 Community Challenge (Kamloops vs. Prince George)

Go Loonie for the SPCA fundraiser (Campbell River)

The Ramada Hotel Presents The Dog Days of Summer BC SPCA Gala (Prince George)

BC SPCA Annual Open House presented by Hill’s® Science Diet® (various branches across BC)