Whereas there is an immediate and ongoing concern in rural British Columbia communities regarding abused, abandoned and neglected animals, which also pose significant public health and safety concerns; And whereas the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals BC SPCA is the only animal welfare organization in BC with the authority under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to investigate complaints of animal abuse or neglect, enforce animal welfare laws and recommend criminal charges to the Crown Council; And whereas the BC SPCA does not receive any provincial funding to assist with animal protection services and is the only British Columbian entity responsible for law enforcement whose investigative responsibilities are funded by donation; And whereas there is a lack of BC SPCA representation in rural BC communities resulting in public health and safety issues and a lack of animal welfare enforcement: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government for funding to support the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the purpose of appointing authorized agents as granted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, for representation in all rural communities to ensure public health, safety and welfare of animals.
