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The BC SPCA took over some of Richmond’s animal bylaws in February 2021, enabling it to help animals like Robb Stark the guinea pig who had been out in the snow before he was found by a resident.

Photo courtesy BC SPCA

SPCA reflects on one year of Richmond animal control

By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Published 11:20 PST, Thu February 3, 2022

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After a year of overseeing many elements of animal control in Richmond, it’s been relatively smooth sailing for the BC SPCA.

The handover of responsibility, which happened in February 2021, saw the BC SPCA assuming roles that the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) had handled since 2017. The SPCA became responsible for animal control issues like aggressive dogs; animal-related noise complaints; and a section of the parks bylaw that covers dogs that are off-leash or bothering wildlife in parks. It also manages any deceased animals as well as attending as many wildlife calls as possible and some basic welfare calls.

The city’s new animal shelter is currently under construction, and once complete will be operated by the SPCA. During construction, Richmond animals are being housed at the Vancouver shelter.

“If we have a stray dog that we’ve received a call about, the first thing we do is scan it for a microchip, or if someone has found the dog, sometimes we ask if they can bring it to a local vet so the vet can scan the microchip. We try to do it in the field right away so people don’t have to go all the way to Vancouver to retrieve their pet,” explains Corrie Bownick, municipal animal services manager with the BC SPCA.

The best thing people can do for their animal is to have some kind of permanent identification on them, like a microchip or tattoo. That way, if an animal is lost, its owner can be found quickly. It’s also important to update address and phone number information on the microchip registry, or add information for a new pet owner if the pet has been adopted from someone else.

While Bownick says similar numbers of cats and dogs go missing, dogs are more often redeemed than cats. The SPCA also deals with other stray animals like guinea pigs, roosters and sheep.

Animals listed as strays are added to the BC Pet Search website and a full intake exam and vaccinations are done when an animal enters the SPCA’s care. Most animals are held as strays for four days, although dogs have a longer hold time of seven days.

Animals not claimed within that time period will be spayed or neutered if necessary, as well as having other medical or veterinary needs attended to. They are then put up for adoption. Healthy adoptable animals are never euthanized.

Aside from helping animals directly, animal control officers can also connect people to resources like the pet food bank as well as answering questions about wildlife and bylaws. Bownick says the SPCA’s mandate is to “educate first and enforce second.”

Bownick adds that she’s been touched by how much Richmondites care for the stray animals they come into contact with. One woman had a budgie in her home for a couple of days before calling the SPCA to come and get it. Another saw what she thought was a rabbit playing in the snow with her dog for a week.

“It turned out it was a very friendly guinea pig. She was able to contain it and bring it in,” says Bownick. “He’s fine, he’s a lovely guinea pig with a bit of frostbite on his ear from being out in the snow.”

She says those stories are among many that demonstrate locals’ care and helpfulness.

“It’s really been a pleasure for our team to work in Richmond,” says Bownick. “It’s a beautiful community full of animal lovers, and the feedback has been really positive.”

City spokesperson Clay Adams says the transition of dog licensing and animal control bylaw enforcement has been seamless, with an increased focus on patrols and education.

“The BC SPCA record of professionalism speaks for itself and we are pleased with the performance of the officers, their interaction with city staff, and the overall management of the BC SPCA. This has certainly been a positive move for the community,” says Adams.