(Image credit: SPCA)

By Pete McIntyre

building concerns

Vernon SPCA animal centre closing

Nov 15, 2023 | 9:53 AM

Vernon’s community animal centre operated by the BC SPCA is closing down.

In a news release Wednesday, Nov. 15, the society said the facility on Haney Road will permanently close to the public on Friday, Nov. 17 due to a number of ongoing concerns.

Craig Daniell, CEO of the BC SPCA, said they have been aware of growing concerns about the building’s foundation, walls, and ceiling, but a recent inspection by a structural engineer also revealed significant issues with the roof that would put the safety of staff, volunteers, animals and members of the public at risk if they continued to operate from the facility.

“Simply repairing the roof would not be a viable solution for the long-term future of the building, as the more than 35-year-old building is located on a former landfill site which is causing the subsidence and cracking of the facility,” Daniell said.

Daniell said the society remains committed to serving the animal welfare needs for Vernon and surrounding communities.

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“Many of the programs and services in place in Vernon, such as animal protection, youth education and community support initiatives, are already regionally based and we are exploring opportunities to further support the community moving forward.”

Any animals remaining in the BC SPCA’s care at the time of the closure will be transferred to the surrounding community animal centres, whose capacities are each being increased to support sheltering activities for the community. Daniell said two existing SPCA facilities – in Shuswap and Kelowna – exist within an hour and a half drive from Vernon.

“The decision to permanently close the Vernon community animal centre was very difficult and not one that was made lightly. At the end of the day, we needed to consider the welfare of our staff, volunteers, and, importantly, the animals in our care both in the short and long term,” Daniell remarked.

When contacted by Vernon Matters, Kaila Butler, senior manager of communications with the BC SPCA, said the closure of the Vernon centre will not impact the society’s ability to protect and ensure the quality of life for animals living in Vernon and the surrounding communities.

“Our animal protection investigations, outreach services like the pet food bank, and social change and educational programs will all continue to be available to Vernon community members. We are also increasing capacity at surrounding animal centres to accommodate any increased animal intakes resulting from the closure,” Butler stated.

“The BC SPCA has two facilities within a one-hour drive of the Vernon community animal centre – Shuswap and Kelowna – that community members are encouraged to connect with if they need support with adoption or animal surrender. Alternatively, the BC SPCA Animal Helpline is always available and will be happy to assist anyone with questions or concerns: 1-855-622-7722,” Butler added.

Butler said employees affected by the closure are being provided options to apply for other BC SPCA vacant positions that may fit their skill-sets, career interests, and life circumstances or to accept severance as per their employment agreements.

The society is also acknowledging that the closure will have impacts on its dedicated volunteer group.

“Shelter-based volunteers in Vernon will be provided the option to consider transitioning to other shelters if they wish to continue volunteering in the same capacity. Alternatively, there are a number of non-shelter-based volunteer roles such as fostering, supporting the pet foodbank, fundraising and community engagement that are available,” Butler explained.