The Victoria Humane Society, situated in Victoria, British Columbia, is issuing a heartfelt plea to the public, seeking assistance in securing a new shelter to accommodate the surge in animals under its care.
Penny Stone, serving as the executive director of the Victoria Humane Society, expressed the dire situation, stating, “Years ago, when we first started the Humane Society, things were pretty much under control. We’d, you know, gotten everybody spayed and neutered. Everybody was kind of settling in. So you’d get animals in, but not in the numbers we’re getting in now. Since COVID, everything’s gone crazy. People can’t afford to keep their animals anymore.”
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have been stark, with Stone highlighting the ripple effect on spay and neuter programs in smaller communities, resulting in uncontrolled population growth among animals. Stone remarked, “Exponentially, it’s just grown out of control,” underscoring the unprecedented strain on their resources.
One significant factor exacerbating the crisis, according to Stone, is the rising cost of living, leading to difficult decisions for pet owners. “For the first time ever we’re turning animals away,” she lamented. The shelter currently contends with approximately 45 dogs on their waitlist and nearly double that number for cats, a situation that Stone describes as “really, really hard” given the inevitable consequences for these animals.
In response to the escalating demand for assistance, the Victoria Humane Society is actively seeking a larger facility to expand their capacity for animal care. Stone emphasized the necessity for a space where animals can be properly assessed and rehabilitated, stressing the importance of a conducive environment for these endeavors. “We just don’t know or have anywhere to do that at this time. So we can’t take them in, we can’t take an animal in that, you know, isn’t getting along with other dogs,” she elucidated.
The Society’s ideal facility would encompass acreage to accommodate their envisioned rehabilitation efforts. Stone urged anyone aware of a property suitable for their needs to reach out, expressing their urgent need for a larger space. With the support of a generous benefactor providing initial funding, the Society aims to secure a property promptly to alleviate the strain on both animals and their caretakers.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the current circumstances, Stone underscored the empathy extended towards individuals relinquishing their pets, acknowledging the complex circumstances driving these decisions. “It’s heartbreaking for us when animals are being brought in, but it is also heartbreaking for a lot of the people that come in,” she empathized, emphasizing the absence of judgment in these difficult situations.
As the Victoria Humane Society confronts this unprecedented challenge, their appeal for assistance underscores the critical role of community support in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable animals amidst a tumultuous landscape.
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