2012: A Year In Review
Dec 20, 2012
Happy Holidays from Delta Community Animal Shelter!
At this time of year, we not only want to send our thanks to those who helped support us in our efforts to care for the vulnerable animals of Delta, but we would also like to take a moment to look back at the projects and achievements for this past year. The support of our local veterinarians, pet store owners/staff, and volunteers has been integral to the many successful programs and achievements we have had this year. We want you all to know that we recognize that without your efforts and support it would have been difficult to achieve our objectives listed below, and we share that success with each of you-individually and as a team.Our year started off with a hop! Our Feral Rabbit Program included the humane capture, housing, sterilization, identification, release or adoption of 250 feral rabbits from our municipal civic center. The program was important to not only help save the lives of these abandoned rabbits, but it also saved many from being hit by vehicles, and reduced the costly destruction of vegetation around our public facilities. Our volunteers did an outstanding job throughout the process from capture to release, and our local veterinarian's commitment, flexibility and generosity in sterilizing the rabbits demonstrated their compassion for the plight of these abandoned rabbits.
We have spent much of the year planning for the opening of the new shelter facility that is presently under construction. Our anticipated soft opening date is March 2013 and we are excited about all the improvements the new facility will have to offer. The new facility has been designed to better address the health and welfare of the many animals we care for. We are thrilled that they will have a facility that will help to reduce stress and improve their adoptability. For all of you that endured those wet and bone chilling outdoor dog walker orientation training classes, your prayers have been answered. The multi-purpose room will enable us to provide more educational programs and we are excited about welcoming the community into the new facility for these types of opportunities. Stay tuned in 2013 for your invitation to the grand opening!!
We held our 4th Annual Delta Community Animal Expo in August at Ladner Memorial Park where we welcomed a record setting 40 exhibitors and approximately 3000 visitors throughout the day. This year the event expanded to include not only the Show Stage, but also the Tollie Fund Activity Arena. At the Show Stage the public was educated by the Canadian Disaster Response Team, guest speaker Amber Cottle , the Pacific Animal Assistance Dogs, the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, the Delta Police Dog Squad and a fun demonstration from Paws2 Dance. The Tollie Fund Activity Arena held games and interactive activities such as, Yoga with your Dog and relay races. You can't have an Expo without yummy food and this year we were excited to have Pets N Us hosting hot dog and popcorn stands but also we welcomed Bombay Joes with their delicious Indian food. The community really came together to support the day and we are grateful to all of our sponsors who helped make the event a success!
These three projects were very much in the public's eye but behind the scenes a lot of work went on to help homeless, unwanted, neglected and abandoned animals find new families. Our Animal Care Attendants provided care for animals who were suffering from acute and chronic conditions and our Animal Control Officers went about their duties helping the community resolve issues related to animals and public safety.
A few interesting statistics (to mid-December):
- Animals brought into the shelter: 620
- Animals adopted: 405
- Animals admitted and homed through Travelling Tails program: 43
- Dogs admitted to shelter as stray and claimed by owner: 192 (98%)
- Dogs reunited with their owner at no charge and without having to come to the shelter because they were licensed: 52
- Cats admitted to shelter as stray and claimed by owner: 30 (15%)
Animal Control Officers attended a total of 1754 requests for service. Some of these were:
- Wildlife: 121 calls
- Concerns about the care of an animal: 136 calls
- Aggressive/dangerous dogs: 71 calls
- Feral cat colonies or unspayed cats at large: 45 calls
- Barking dog concerns: 165 calls
Next year will be an exciting one as we move into the new facility and host our the 5th Annual Delta Animal Expo-the biggest and best one yet we hope! We really look forward to seeing each of you in the New Year and on behalf of the animals and the staff we wish you a very Happy Holidays!
Sarah Lowe,
Animal Shelter Manager
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