SPCA urged the city to explore options before services end in December.
The B.C. SPCA has written to the City of Dawson Creek voicing concerns about animal welfare and public safety once animal control services end in the city.
In May, city council voted to end its contract with the SPCA, saying it would save taxpayers roughly $300,000. The contact expires on Dec. 1 and will not be replaced.
When that happens, the South Peace SPCA will no longer conduct bylaw patrols, respond to aggressive dogs, address animal noise complaints, remove dead domestic or wild animals, pick up stray pets, or accept stray animals brought to the centre by residents unless it meets their intake criteria, such as being seized through protection investigations.
There are also concerns stray cats and dogs could face harsh winter conditions and be left out in the cold, with services slated to end at the start of December. "We remain committed to supporting animals and humans to the best of our ability," said Shoni Field, chief public engagement and advancement officer with the B.C. SPCA.
Field said the city's contract represents about 37 percent of the South Peace SPCA's annual budget. Local donations cover about 12 percent, and the remainder comes from donations outside the community.
"We are not in a position to increase that subsidy as it would harm our operations in other communities across the province," the SPCA's letter to the province reads.
Mayor Darcy Dober previously told CBC News that the decision to end the contract was "difficult" but necessary in order to avoid raising taxes further.
"We're facing operational pressure all the time with our budget. So we're always looking at ways that we can save," he said earlier this year.
Speaking Tuesday morning, he added that he appreciates the work of the SPCA, but said the city has had to make cuts in response to rising costs.
"We want to maintain a great relationship with them. Without the bylaw in place, they still offer a very significant service to our community."
Other B.C. communities, including Prince George and Port Alberni, have voted to end contracts with the SPCA, but signed new contracts with other providers.
In its letter, the SPCA suggested the city explore alternatives before its contract ends, such as bringing animal control services in-house, reducing services to core needs, or contracting a for-profit third-party.
However, in a post on the city's website, the municipality said it would not be bringing services in-house or hiring another contractor.
Dog licences will also no longer be provided or required.
"Council also reviewed alternative service delivery options, including bringing services in-house," the website reads.
"However, these options were not determined to be financially or operationally viable."
-Tom Summer · CBC News
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