The New Brunswick Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is launching a new assistance program for less fortunate pet owners.
The bottom Happy Tails aims to improve access to basic veterinary care or operations.
According to the general manager of the SPCA from New Brunswick, Lesley Rogersthe pandemic and inflation have put financial pressure on homeowners.
Four clinics currently offer care under this program. These are: Stoneybrook Veterinary Services and the Saint-Jean walk-in clinic, the emergency clinic of Monctonand the veterinary clinic of Woodstock.
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This cat was found outside in the freezing cold. He was taken in by the SPCA La Vallée in NB.
Photo: Courtesy/SPCA La Vallée
Dr Sara Pridham, from the clinic Stoneybrook Veterinary Servicesnotes that she receives calls every day, particularly regarding the low-cost sterilization program.
years and we have seen a growing need for population control. For example, there are so many cats, and so few homes”,”text”:”We have been open here for about 10 years and we have seen a growing need for population control. For example, there are so many cats, and so few homes”}}”>We’ve been open here for about 10 years and we’ve seen a growing need for population control. For example, there are so many cats, and so few homes.
she notes.
Animals refused due to lack of space
Because the province’s shelters are overflowing, especially with felines.
years of working here, this is the first time we’ve been on the verge of closing our doors”,”text”:”In 17 years of working here, this is the first time we’ve been on the verge of closing our doors”}}”>In 17 years of working here, this is the first time we are on the verge of closing our doors.
says Miramichi SPCA Executive Director Jennifer Arseneault.
“It’s hard, you know, mentally, it’s exhausting trying to make ends meet every month and knowing that you have to turn animals away,” she adds.
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More and more tanks are ending up in SPCA shelters.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Felix Desroches
This situation has also led veterinarians to leaving the profession en masse
according to Dr Sara Pridham.
We have to turn away patients almost every day. Five to ten people a day. It’s simply because the need is enormous and care has become much more expensive over the years.
she said.
People get angry because they can’t afford to pay for their pets’ care. Unfortunately, it’s often the vet who gets the blame. And there’s not much we can do to pay our bills.
concludes the veterinarian.
With information from Savannah Awde and CBC’s Shift
