The Comox Valley SPCA does not have the capacity to handle an influx of animals expected to come its way now that another agency is handling pound services at the Campbell River SPCA.
Campbell River council has awarded the pound services contract to Coastal Animal Services, which means the SPCA had to vacate the city-owned shelter.
“There’s going to be a glut of homeless animals in Campbell River,” SPCA spokesperson Lorie Chortyk said. “It’s very likely a lot of those animals will need to be sheltered at the Comox SPCA.”
The SPCA’s Drive for Lives program transfers about 5,000 animals each year from overcrowded shelters to those with space.
Chortyk said homeless animals in Campbell River will probably be transferred to Nanaimo or Victoria.
In most communities, the SPCA owns the property. But in Campbell River, the association relied on the city’s contract, which allowed it to operate out of the shelter.
“When we have town contracts, it’s money in, money out, so you’re not making money on the contract,” Chortyk said.
The contract enabled the SPCA to handle impounded dogs, stray cats and other surrendered animals in Campbell River.
The new provider deals only with stray dogs and is open just an hour a day.