Anyone needing help dealing with a stray or dangerous animal in Maple Ridge will now have to call a different number due to a recent service change.
The BC SPCA recently announced that a nearly 15-year contract with the City of Maple Ridge had come to an end, pushing many of the animal-related responsibilities onto the city.
According to the City of Maple Ridge, they will now be the go-to for responsible dog ownership education, handling dangerous or noisy dogs, assisting with stray animals, removing dead animals from public areas, and dog licensing.
However, many other pet-related services will remain with the BC SPCA, including:
• Kennelling of stray animals through the City of Maple Ridge animal control service
• Locating lost pets
• Taking in surrendered animals
• Handling animal adoptions
• Providing emergency outreach support for Maple Ridge residents
• Taking concerns about abuse or cruelty to animals
Kahlee Demers, who manages the Maple Ridge branch of the SPCA, explained that this change in service came as a result of an ongoing issue with BC SPCA being able to hire and retain a sufficient number of animal control officers.
"Despite efforts to maintain these services without a formal agreement since 2019, the BC SPCA can no longer support the City of Maple Ridge in this capacity," said Demers.
In response to this split from the BC SPCA, city senior manager of corporate communications Pardeep Purewal explained that the City of Maple Ridge maintains its commitment to protect both local animals and residents.
"We are implementing interim measures to deliver animal control services while we explore options for a longer-term solution," said Purewal.
While a new payment negotiation is currently in the works with the BC SPCA, the City of Maple Ridge reported paying the group a total of $407,088 in 2023 for their various services.
Starting immediately, anyone in need of assistance regarding stray animals, dangerous or noisy pets, and dog licensing is directed to contact the City of Maple Ridge at 604-467-7305 or online at mapleridge.ca/report.
