| News & Events at Colchester SPCA |
SPCA alerts public to take caution after a number of cases of
Parvovirus reported
Nova Scotia (April 28, 2010) – In the last two weeks, the Nova Scotia SPCA has had a number of calls from both veterinarians and the public about animals contracting Canine Parvovirus. “The number of reported cases appears to be unusually high,” said Executive Director, Kristin Williams with the Nova Scotia SPCA who also said that the organization has seen at least 15 individual cases reported in HRM recently and suspects the number is actually higher. She added “dog owners should take this opportunity to get informed about the risks and take precautions.”
Canine Parvovirus is a contagious viral disease affecting dogs which can be deadly. Typically puppies are more susceptible than adult dogs, but all unvaccinated dogs are at high risk. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected dogs, which may not show any clinical signs, or contact with the feces of an infected dog. Clinical signs include vomiting and diarrhea, which is often bloody.
Helpful Tips:
• Inspect areas where dogs recreate and exercise
• Ensure that your dog is up to date with vaccinations
• Seek vet care if you suspect your dog is infected or has been exposed
• Do not take unvaccinated dogs, especially puppies to off leash parks
To report animal cruelty call 1-888-703-7722.
News
 A recent campaign to help support the Colchester SPCA resulted in the donation of a quantity of items, including 8 large bags of cat litter, 12 bags of kitten food, additional bags of assorted cat food, 3 baskets of toys/treats/supplies as well as numerous boxes of canned cat food, blankets, paper towels and other cleaning supplies. The effort, called "Adopt, Don't Shop" came from local resident Darlene Pye, assisted by her husband Rick.
 A big Thank-you to the following businesses which supported the campaign with donations:
- Shur-Gain Feeds & Needs (Truro)
- Hatcher's Heavy Equipment & Truck Repair (North Sydney)
- Stewiacke Foodland
- Elmsdale Animal Hospital
- Fundy Vet (Shubenacadie)
- Stewiacke Home Hardware
- Miller Waste Systems (Elmsdale)
- Martin's Rite Way (Shubenacadie)
- Al & Jo's Brookfield Buy 'N Sell
- Whistler's (Stewiacke)
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ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA SPCA
The Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty (Nova Scotia SPCA): Protecting animals from cruelty since 1877, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity, comprised of 11 Branches, which relies primarily on volunteers and donations to fund animal protection; care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. An Act to Protect Animals and Aid Animals in Distress mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province.
To learn more, visit www.spcans.ca.
Annual Dog Walk
This year's walk raised $6,600. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Thank-you everyone who participated in
our 2009 annual dog jog, and to everyone who gave a donation to one
of the walkers or donated prizes. Major prizes donated by Susan "Animal Art" Sweets.
$9416 was raised last year, Sept 2008 - our best total ever!
 For the past 3 years, students of Central Colchester Junior High School have included the Colchester SPCA in their "Christmas Hamper" program, along with the Salvation Army. On December 11, they presented the SPCA with several boxes of pet supplies and $121 in cash. Thanks to all students who contributed to making this a Merry Christmas for the shelter.
Shown is our shelter mascot, Lana, in front of the donated items. |
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MEDIA RELEASE
Willing adoptive homes needed; SPCA Branches urge you to make adoption your first choice
Nova Scotia (June 8, 2010) – The Nova Scotia SPCA and its network of Branches are in urgent need of willing adoptive homes for hundreds of cats and kittens that have come into care as stray, abandoned or surrendered animals in recent weeks. Many are surprise litters from unaltered pets or pets purchased through online classifieds or non-traditional retailers that are found to be pregnant.
“Every animal deserves a safe and loving home. The Nova Scotia SPCA is committed to being a no-kill animal welfare organization, which means that we need to be very proactive about promoting the importance of adoption and we need the support of every community to open their hearts and their homes to the thousands of animals that come into our care every year,” said Executive Director Kristin Williams of the Nova Scotia SPCA Provincial Office. She added that “adoption saves two lives; the animal currently in our care and the next animal waiting to be saved.”
This time of year is especially taxing on already limited volunteer and donated resources as dozens of litters are flooding in and challenging the capacity of shelter and foster based SPCA Branches. To view animals available for adoption visit http://www.petfinder.com/index.html or contact your local Branch by visiting http://www.spcans.ca/about/branches.html.
To report animal cruelty call 1-888-703-7722. To make a donation to support the Society’s lifesaving work or to learn more about how to get involved, please visit www.spcans.ca.
RESOURCES
Dollars and ‘Sense’?
“Free to Good Home” |
Veterinary examination, 2 vaccinations, Feline Leukemia and FIV Test, deworming, and spay/neuter surgery |
Male cat: $350-$650
Female Cat: $500-$750 * |
Adopted from a Nova Scotia SPCA |
Veterinary examination done, first vaccination, Feline Leukemia and FIV tested, deworming, flea treatment, microchipping(at some branches only) and spay/neuter surgery done. |
Adoption Fee: $100 - 150
(Prices may vary by Branch) |
*Prices provided by local veterinarians working in HRM. Price range only; specifics not available.
ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA SPCA
The Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Nova Scotia SPCA): Protecting animals from cruelty since 1877, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity, comprised of 11 Branches, which relies primarily on volunteers and donations to fund animal protection; care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Act to Protect Animals and Aid Animals in Distress mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. To learn more, visit www.spcans.ca.
CO-EXISTING WITH WILDLIFE - COYOTES
Coyotes are opportunistic carnivores and feed on a wide variety of insects, vegetables, mammals and fruit, although rodents are often their main food source. Their amazing adaptability to adjust and tolerate developed landscapes has brought them into greater contact with people in expanding cities and suburbs.
Despite suffering a poor public image, coyotes typically cause little trouble living in human dominated areas, avoiding humans, keeping a low profile, and helping regulate rodent populations, as well as mid-sized predators like raccoons, foxes and skunks. On occasion however, coyotes may prey on unsupervised cats and small dogs since these animals are similar in size to their natural prey. By taking a few precautionary steps, solutions to these conflicts can often be found; for example:
• Keep cats indoors and protect livestock using predator-proof enclosures
• Walk your dog on a leash
• Teach children to respect wildlife and keep their distance
• Never feed coyotes or attempt to tame them
• Pick up fallen fruit from trees and ensure that bird feeders don’t overflow
• Secure compost piles and garbage
• Landscape to reduce hiding areas on your property
• Keep a clean yard and neighbourhood
• Install devices such as motion activated lights, alarms or sprinklers
• When coyotes are in your yard make them feel unwelcome with loud noises or spraying them with a hose
• If you encounter a coyote leave the area calmly, do not make direct eye contact, turn your back or run from a coyote
Other measures to remove or otherwise interfere with coyotes may not resolve the situation.
Helpful Resource:
Hinterlands Who's Who
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We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.