NEWS RELEASE JULY 7/09
July 7, 2009 NEWS RELEASE
St. John's SPCA Encourages Public to Adopt as Shelter Reaches Peak Capacity St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- The St. John's SPCA is at capacity caring for high numbers of animals and is encouraging the public who are thinking about getting a pet to visit the shelter and adopt. There are numerous cats and dogs at the St. John's shelter and a small number of animals in foster care in the community, with more arriving daily.
Animals at the shelter can be visited during regular visiting hours, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday to Friday and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The SPCA is located on RCAF Road, off of Torbay Road. Most of the animals are listed on the shelter's website at www.spcastjohns.org, though due to high numbers, not all animals have their picture featured on the website. The telephone number for the shelter is 726.0301.
"Many of these animals were brought in by their owners who gave them up because they didn't want the long term responsibility that comes with having a pet," said Debbie Powers, SPCA Shelter Director. "During the summer we hit capacity very quickly so we are encouraging the public to visit the SPCA and view the many beautiful animals available for adoption," Powers added. "We have numerous cats and kittens of all ages, short hair, medium, long hair, black, white, calico, torbies and torties. Some are already neutered and spayed," said Debbie Powers. "We have puppies from six weeks to six years - all of whom need responsible homes. These animals have landed in the shelter through no fault of their own," added Powers.
Tag Your Pet
Residents of St. John's are urged to have their pets licensed. The benefits of licensing are many and include helping to reunite owners and their pets by having a direct link to the owner's contact information at all times. It also cuts down on the time that an animal may have to spend in the shelter and be away from their family. The City of St. John's has mandatory pet licensing according to the Animal Control Regulation. Dogs must be licensed within 20 business days of acquiring the dog or within 20 business days of the dog attaining six months of age. Dog licenses cost $10 and are available at the City of St. John's, the SPCA and at most veterinary clinics. About the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) The Newfoundland and Labrador SPCA provides province-wide leadership on matters relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals and the promotion of animal welfare, and works with its branches to encourage humane and suitable animal care; calls attention to unacceptable practices that harm animals; investigates cruelty complaints; advocates for humane laws; and provides care to all animals in need. The SPCA has been in Newfoundland since 1888. There are seven SPCA branches in Newfoundland and Labrador; St. John's, Clarenville, Burin, Gander, Bay of Islands, Exploits Valley and Happy Valley Goose Bay.
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