The Prince George Humane Society is dealing with overcrowding of surrendered animals at its facility.
Back in October, the facility was at full capacity and Executive Director Angela McLaren told MyPGNow.com the lack of veterinary care is way worse now than it was in previous years.
“This was the first time in the organization’s history that we have had a waiting list. It’s been really challenging for us to get to that point where we can’t help every animal but we are transferring animals to other animals who have better access to care and that have higher adoption rates.”
“The fact there is a veterinary crisis and a lack of veterinary care is getting worse than in previous years. We are now seeing a huge uptick in people surrendering their animals to shelters and if you look back on the stats from the previous year, we have seen a doubling of intake from the year before.”
In addition, the Humane Society did receive $80,000 in renewal funding through provincial gaming grants that will assist with their Keeping Pets and People Together program.
It’s aimed at assisting those in rural and First Nations communities to access wellness and spay and neuter clinics as well as pet behaviour issues in their home.
The Prince George Recycling and Environment Action Planning Society also received $30,000 in government gaming grants.
Yesterday (Thursday), the provincial government added a recent doubling of subsidized seats for B.C. veterinary students will be permanent, as the province copes with a vet shortage.
The number of subsidized seats for B.C. students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine increased last year from 20 to 40, but it wasn’t clear if that would be permanent.
Post-Secondary Education Minister Selina Robinson now says an initial investment of $21.8 million over three years will ensure the higher number is maintained.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine is part of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, where up to 88 students begin a four-year program each year.