Press release — for immediate release
Surrenders Increase by 21% for the Second Year in a Row
The SPCA appeals to the public’s generosity to continue serving animals
Montréal, June 20, 2024 – In the first four months of 2024, the number of animals surrendered to the Montreal SPCA jumped by 21% compared to the same period in 2023. This troubling trend mirrors the increase in the first four months of 2023 over 2022. This dramatic rise is pushing the shelter to step up its efforts to secure funding, ensuring they can continue to care for all these homeless animals.
“Man’s best friend” particularly affected
Sadly topping the list, dogs have seen the most dramatic increase in surrenders, with a 35% rise compared to the same period last year. Unsurprisingly, the length of stay for our canine friends at the shelter has nearly doubled.
Donations are crucial to the Montreal SPCA’s survival
Contrary to popular belief, the Montreal SPCA is not a public, parapublic or municipal organization. Instead, it relies heavily on donations, which made up 68% of its revenue in 2023*.
From intake to adoption, each companion animal taken in by the shelter costs an average of $1,000, including medical treatments, animal care and behavioural interventions. The Montreal SPCA needs the public’s help to cope with the increasing number of animals being admitted.
Moving season: a particularly challenging time
The current moving season is a major challenge for the Montreal SPCA. “In July 2023, the number of animals surrendered due to moving had doubled compared to the previous month,” says Laurence Massé, Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA. “We’re especially worried about taking in so many animals when the shelter is already at full capacity. We’ve had no choice but to add staff and resources to handle the needs of all these animals.”
“The rising cost of living puts a lot of pressure on families,” deplores Ms. Massé. “Many struggle to find affordable animal-friendly housing or to afford the veterinary care their companions need, and inflation is also affecting the cost of our operations.”
The SPCA is appealing to the public’s generosity so that it may continue serving animals and the community. Those willing and able to help can donate online at spca.com or by phone at 1-866-888-7722.
*Contracts for animal services with Montréal’s boroughs cover 17% of the SPCA’s operational expenses, while contributions from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPAQ), through its agreement with the Investigations Division, account for another 6%.
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Source : Montreal SPCA www.spca.com/en
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montréal in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now known simply as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal welfare organization in Canada. The SPCA has come a long way since: it is now the largest animal welfare organization in Quebec and speaks on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation or neglect.
Media information:
Tök communications 514-247-0526
Marie-Hélène Avon, mariehelene@tokcommunications.ca
