Maple Ridge residents will now have to contact a new number for assistance with stray or dangerous animals following a recent change in service.
The BC SPCA has announced the end of a nearly 15-year contract with the City of Maple Ridge, transferring many animal-related responsibilities to the city.
The City of Maple Ridge will now handle:
- Responsible dog ownership education
- Managing dangerous or noisy dogs
- Assisting with stray animals
- Removing dead animals from public areas
- Dog licensing
However, several services will continue to be managed by the BC SPCA, including:
- Kennelling of stray animals via the city’s animal control service
- Locating lost pets
- Taking in surrendered animals
- Facilitating animal adoptions
- Providing emergency outreach support for Maple Ridge residents
- Addressing concerns about animal abuse or cruelty
Kahlee Demers, manager of the Maple Ridge branch of the BC SPCA, explained that this change is due to ongoing challenges in hiring and retaining sufficient animal control officers.
“Despite efforts to maintain these services without a formal agreement since 2019, the BC SPCA can no longer support the City of Maple Ridge in this capacity,” Demers said.
In light of this change, Pardeep Purewal, the city’s senior manager of corporate communications, assured residents of the city’s continued commitment to protect local animals and residents.
“We are implementing interim measures to deliver animal control services while we explore options for a longer-term solution,” Purewal stated.
The City of Maple Ridge is currently negotiating a new payment agreement with the BC SPCA. In 2023, the city paid the organization $407,088 for their services.
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