The Bow Valley SPCA is looking for financial support from the Town of Canmore.
SPCA Vice-president Joseph Potts was in front of council last week to request a contribution.
“We are asking the Town of Canmore for $10,000 in 2011 to contribute to our operating costs,” Potts said. “We believe we provide a lot of services to the town.
“In order to be sustainable and remain open to benefit the town of Canmore, we need your help.”
The local SPCA is the first of its kind in Canadathat has a no kill and no cage policy, he said.
This means the group accepts every dog and cat that comes its way, including those picked up by bylaw services that are not claimed by owners within 72 hours.
As a result, the municipality is not burdened with the cost of caring for sick, injured or behaviourly difficult dogs or cats.
In addition, Potts pointed to the educational outreach work the SPCA does with local schools and the spay/neuter program for low-income residents as other ways the group gives back to the community.
“There are many people who cannot afford the $600 to $700 to spay or neuter a dog or cat,” he said.
He said 2009 and 2010 saw the organization dip into its reserve funds to balances expenses with revenues and are asking for help in 2011.
Potts said the group has found itself in this situation because of a focus on its programs and operations and not as much on fundraising.
The SPCA not only takes every dog and cat without question, it provides medical treatment and behavioural training when needed and that comes with a cost.
“These animals live with us until we can find them a home and that turns out to be a long time,” Potts said. “I think we provide a service and we will continue to. It is valuable to the community and deserves support from the Town.”
This past December was the first time in four years the Town has not contributed a portion of its dog licence fees to the organization.
Given cost savings needed as part of the operational budget, Potts said bylaw did not propose the same donation for 2010.
He said the SPCA may be back in future years for funding and it will approach other municipalities in the valley for support as well.
