ASQUITH — The Saskatchewan SPCA has launched a new 50/50 campaign to raise money for an Emergency Animal Care Centre.
Spokesperson Josh Hourie says the ‘There to Care” 50/50 aims to raise $300,000, half of which will go toward the construction of the building near Asquith.
Construction has already begun on the $2.1 million project, and so far, just over $1.2 million has been raised. Hourie explains that the Emergency Animal Care Centre, besides caring for pets seized or surrendered during animal cruelty investigations, will provide animals in need with temporary care including those of families escaping natural disasters like fires and floods.
“This could be a matter of domestic violence situations, so individuals who are escaping a situation of violence, we would provide safekeeping for their animals. It could be someone who is taking an unexpectedly long stay in the hospital, and they just need a safe place for their pets, we would provide care in those situations, as well.”
The care facility will be the first of its kind in the country and will fill gaps in the animal care system to help meet the needs of both animals and people in crisis. “We do know that there are other shelters or humane societies that have a safekeeping program. There are some rescue groups that may do the hospital care program, but really there’s no facility, as far as we know, that will do all three.”
On March 7, 1928, the SaskSPCA was established by the provincial legislature, with a stated focus on promoting the humane treatment of animals. Since then, as the province has grown and evolved, this idea has remained its guiding, central principle. For many years, the SaskSPCA were well known for their work enforcing the Animal Protection Act, with a team of officers travelling around the province to investigate and resolve reports of animal cruelty. In 2015, that branch was discontinued, and a new agency, the Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, was established to continue investigating animal cruelty reports.
The Saskatchewan SPCA is an organization committed to the well-being of animals across the province, providing education, advocacy, and outreach where it can be most effective. Their aim is simple: to show the value of compassion, animal companionship, and the unique ways that animals and humans can all be better together. Today, there are 17 unique and autonomous SPCAs and Humane Societies in the province working with a common goal to improve the welfare of animals. Through collaboration, education, empathy, compassion, and respect for our animals, we seek to develop new legislation, programs, and services and continue our pursuit of a Saskatchewan free from cruelty and inhumane treatment.
The SaskSPCA understands the importance of the bond between humans and animals and is committed to raising public awareness to prevent animal suffering. They advocate for the idea that this relationship can be mutually beneficial. The organization believes that animal welfare should be evaluated based on the Five Freedoms, which are internationally recognized standards of care that ensure every living being's right to humane treatment. These principles were initially developed by Britain’s Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1965 and later adapted by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians for the care of companion animals in shelters.
Adhering to the Five Freedoms ensures that the mental and physical needs of animals in care are met. The Five Freedoms include freedom from hunger and thirst through ready access to fresh water and a diet specific to the animal that will maintain health and vigour; freedom from discomfort by providing an environment with a comfortable resting area, shelter from the elements, appropriate temperature and noise levels, and access to natural light; freedom from pain, injury, or disease through prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment; freedom to express its normal behaviour through the provision of sufficient space for a full range of movement and proper facilities that allow for the animal to engage with others of its kind if it chooses; and the freedom from fear and distress by ensuring that the conditions and treatment do not create mental suffering.
The SaskSPCA is committed to preventing animal cruelty and recognizes the importance of supporting families affected by violence. Partnerships play a crucial role in assisting all victims of violence and abuse. To that end, the SaskSPCA has started collaborating with the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS) and the Saskatchewan Horse Federation to create a new horse safekeeping pilot project. This initiative aims to provide affordable horse safekeeping services for victims of intimate partner violence. The official launch of the pilot project is anticipated in the next fiscal year. The SaskSPCA is thankful for the funding received for this project from the Community Initiatives Fund (Saskatchewan) and the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada.
SaskSPCA is also grateful for their corporate supporters: Michael’s Your Independent Grocer (Saskatoon), Aureo’s No Frills (Saskatoon), and Horizon Pet Food (Rosthern).
The deadline to purchase 50/50 tickets is Sunday, March 16. Tickets can be purchased online at saskspca.ca/lottery, by phone at 1-877-382-7722, or by e-transfer to [email protected]. Those paying by e-transfer must also email their name, address, phone number, and the number of tickets they want. Every There to Care 50/50 ticket sold supports the capital campaign for the SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care Centre, a facility that will help Saskatchewan families and their animals when they need it the most.
Ticket packages are available in various options. Choose from five tickets for just $20, 20 for $50, 50 for $100, or 200 for $200.
If the public wishes to donate to the Saskatchewan SPCA other than through the 50/50, they are still eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt until the end of February for the 2024 tax year. That deadline usually comes in December, but it was prolonged due to the Canada Post Strike.
