Animal Abandonment

The number of puppies and kittens that pass through the doors of the Bay of Islands SPCA is staggering. Some people come to us asking for help in placing their pups and kittens, while others - without thought or conscience - leave them on the doorstep of the Shelter or throw them over our six foot fence - and expect us to take care of the problem that they have created. Other people go to the mall parking lots or flea markets and hand out pups and kittens to anyone who shows an interest, be it an adult or a child. They give little thought to what happens to the animals after that, as long as it is no longer their problem.

This problem of unwanted animals has to be stopped at the source! The most frequent excuse we hear from people for not getting their pet spayed or neutered is that they can't afford it. This is where the City of Corner Brook Council, in conjunction with the SPCA can step in and help. By implementing spay and neuter incentives into their animal control bylaws, we can work at decreasing the number of animals euthanised by the City Pound each year.

We are asking the city to: Lower license fees for spayed and neutered animals. Lower fines for spayed and neutered animals that end up at the city pound. Begin a spay and neuter program in conjunction with the SPCA to help low income families get their pets spayed or neutered.

The Bay of Islands SPCA tries to promote responsible pet ownership at every turn. This means having your pet spayed or neutered as early as possible: female pups and kittens at 5 months of age, males at 6 months.

FACT - it makes no difference whether or not your pet has a litter or heat before getting spayed. Your pet's risk of breast cancer, as well as many other medical problems, is reduced more if they are spayed before a heat or a litter.

Before you consider getting a pet, THINK: this is a 10 to 15 year commitment. Will you have time for a pet? Can you afford to have a pet vaccinated and spayed or neutered? If after considering all these things, you think you can be a responsible pet owner - congratulations - you are in for a relationship full of love, laughs and loyalty from a furry friend!