SASKATOON — The SaskSPCA officially launched their “There to Care” Capital Campaign on Tuesday, at the site of the new Emergency Animal Care Centre (EACC) under construction in Asquith.
The $2.1 million SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care Centre will be able to care for an estimated 1,300 companion animals each year.
The EACC will not be a traditional animal shelter or adoption facility. The centre will fill gaps in the animal care system to help meet the needs of both animals and people in crisis.
The centre will deliver services in three targeted areas.
• Animal safekeeping: for pets when their owners are temporarily unable to due to medical emergencies, domestic violence or other personal crises.
• Secure care: for companion animals that have been seized or surrendered under the authority of The Animal Protection Act.
• Emergency response: assisting in the management of major disaster situations impacting companion animals.
The centre will operate year-round, with the capacity to handle the influx of large numbers of seized and surrendered animals at one time. This helps animal law enforcement agencies to do their work more efficiently, while also reducing the strain on other shelters and rescues.
As well, EACC will provide compassionate, affordable pet care for individuals and families who are coping with a personal, health or housing crisis.
“The SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care Centre will provide compassionate care for animals and peace of mind for their owners,” says SaskSPCA Executive Director Frances Wach.
To date, over $1.25 million has been raised for the centre, including a donation from the Estate of Janice Binkley. The There to Care Capital Campaign will help raise the remaining $850,000 required to complete the building.
Construction of the EACC represents a pivotal moment in the history of the SaskSPCA, explains Marianne Possberg, president of the SaskSPCA Board of Directors.
“Since 1928, we have worked to prevent animal neglect and abuse. Now, with the launch of the Emergency Animal Care Centre, we have an exciting new opportunity to improve animal and human well-being here in Saskatchewan.
“We know we can count on the people of Saskatchewan to help us reach our campaign goal.”
Campaign donations may be made at .
