2. About the 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 to Aid Animals that are in Distress mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province.
3. What Does the SPCA Do? Every year, the SPCA responds to hundreds of calls related to the welfare of animals across the province. We are the last line of defense for animals in need. In 2009, the Society responded to 1522 complaints regarding alleged abuse, neglect and cruelty. This was a 17% increase over 2008 and the numbers continue to rise each year. The SPCA and its network of Branches take in close to 8,000 animals each year through cruelty investigations, or as stray or surrendered animals. Our objective is to ensure every displaced animal gets a second chance at a loving forever home.
4. A Common Bond of Compassion “Anyone who says that life matters less to animals than it does to us has not held in his hands an animal fighting for its life.” Credit: E. Costello, The Lives of Animals by J.M Coetzee
5. An Animal’s Manifesto All animals share the Earth Animals think and feel Animals have and deserve compassion Connection breeds caring, alienation breeds disrespect Our world is not compassionate to animals Acting compassionately helps all beings and our world Credit: M. Bekoff, The Animal Manifesto
6. Our Mission and Vision MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Nova Scotia SPCA is to prevent abuse, neglect and cruelty to animals, and provide for province-wide leadership on matters that promote and improve the welfare of all animals through animal protection; care and rehabilitation; humane education; advocacy and engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. VISION STATEMENT The vision of the Nova Scotia SPCA is that Nova Scotia be a no-kill province and a safe place for all animals with zero tolerance for animal cruelty.
7. Critical Animal Welfare Issues There are a number of critical animal welfare issues that the Society addresses through investigations, advocacy or education. Some of these issues include neglect, hoarding, mill operations, poor standards of care, overpopulation, abuse and cruelty. The Nova Scotia is engaged with government, like-minded agencies and other animal welfare organizations to collaborate and improve the welfare of all animals in the province of Nova Scotia.
8. A New Strategic Plan The Nova Scotia SPCA Board of Directors embarked on the development of the strategic plan in Spring, 2009. It was an extensive process and involved consultation with all Branches across the province and input from critical stakeholders. The goals of the plan outline strategic imperatives inclusive of governance, animal care, investigations, marketing, public awareness, advocacy and fund development. These high-level visionary goals for the organization will be reviewed annually and updated as new priorities are identified.
9. Our Strategic Goals Governance – The Society is focused on the establishment of a common set of policies, standards and best practices for all Branches of the Society. The Society believes in transparency, fiscal accountability and strong, responsible governance Animal Care – The Society is committed to be a no-kill animal welfare organization. The Society will always provide first class care for animals in its control and will take a leadership role in facilitating community support systems, inclusive of spay neuter initiatives. Investigations – The inspectorate is focused on developing clear standards of care for companion animals, in addition to improving responsiveness and inter-agency collaboration in the field.
10. Our Strategic Goals Marketing & Communications – The Society is focused on implementing initiatives that enhance the brand and profile of the Society and the lifesaving work that is accomplished each year. Public Education and Advocacy – The Society is focused on engaging with all levels of government and to be positioned as the credible source for information on companion animal welfare in Nova Scotia. Fund Development – The Society engaged in the development and implementation of programs that ensure that the SPCA has a stable financial base that supports all desired initiatives.
11. Rescue, Rehabilitate & Re-home The SPCA has two critical operational areas: cruelty investigations and animal care. The majority of funding comes from donations. We are not an agency of the government and do not receive tax dollars to fulfill our mandate.
12. Animal Cruelty Investigations In addition to providing humane education about responsible pet ownership, the Nova Scotia SPCA’s dedicated Special Constables are mandated by the Provincial Government to enforce animal cruelty laws and to investigate suspected cases of neglect, cruelty and abuse. They are the last line of defense; protecting animals from harm and rescuing animals in need. The Nova Scotia SPCA only has threefulltime investigators who respond to more than 1,500complaints each year. We rely on the community to alert us to concerns regarding the welfare of animals. You are our eyes and ears. Puppy Mill
13. 2009 Statistics At A Glance TOTAL COMPLAINTS = 1,522 ORDERS ISSUED = 115 WARRANTS EXECUTED = 10 CHARGES LAID = 45 TOTAL INTAKE = 879
14. THE STORY OF AN ANGEL Special Constable Nancy Noel is a provincial investigator for the Society and it is her job to rescue animals from harm and protect them from abuse, neglect and cruelty. When she begins her day, she knows that she will face many challenges that few others do in their day-to-day lives. Her work is physically challenging, emotionally exhausting and even at times, dangerous. When the first bite of winter was felt this past December, she was called to investigate a residence where a mom and her pups were in trouble. The owner wasn’t providing the necessary care and “Angel” and her three week old babies were freezing and malnourished. “Angel was skin and bones. She was giving everything she had to her babies,” said Noel when she arrived with her tender companions to the provincial shelter. Tragically, three of the six puppies perished prior to the SPCA receiving the call to help. The other three puppies and mom were in need of immediate medical attention and a warm and safe place. When Noel has a tough day, she turns to the animals for comfort and you can often find her cuddling a kitten or nuzzling a pooch that she had a hand in saving. “It is what gives me the strength to continue this work. It is its own reward.” Angel met another angel in Nancy that December afternoon. Because of your support, our Special Constables will continue to educate the public about responsible pet ownership; investigate suspected neglect, abuse and cruelty cases and enforce the animal welfare laws of the province. She thanks you for this privilege and so do we! Special Constable Nancy Noel and Taffy “My work is a privilege!”
15. THE STORY OF ICARUS Icarus was rescued by Nova Scotia SPCA Special Constable Steve Hector on January 14, 2010. Hector had been called in by a local demolition’s team that was scheduled to bring down a home that had been ravaged by fire on New Years in Dartmouth. When Hector arrived, Icarus was curled up on a broken and torched kitchen chair; his body still. Hector feared the worst – what if it was too late? Icarus was painfully thin and nearly frozen to death. It was the worst case of starvation and dehydration that the SPCA has ever seen in a cat that had actually survived. Icarus’ ears and nose were pink with frost bite and his normally large frame, wrinkled with layers of skin over protruding bones. Hector knew that he had to work quickly if Icarus was to be saved. He folded him lovingly in a blanket and tucked him gently inside his jacket. Wasting no more time, Hector raced to get Icarus medical attention. Thanks to Hector, Icarus will live and now has a chance for a new loving, forever home. Special Constable Steve Hector rescues animals every day. He believes in second chances. He wasn’t going to give up on Icarus if Icarus wasn’t going to give up on him. With a trust that was unspoken, Hector made a commitment to Icarus to do all that he could to give him that second chance. Without your generous support, our Special Constables couldn’t do the extraordinary lifesaving work that they do every day. Thank you! Special Constable Steve Hector and Icarus “It is a hard job, but I wouldn’t dream of doing anything else!”
16. Animal Care & Sheltering We have eleven Branches across the province; from Yarmouth to Cape Breton. Some are shelters and some are foster based. The Nova Scotia SPCA is committed to be a no-kill animal welfare organization that will not euthanize any animal for reasons other than mercy and aggression. We believe that every animal, despite behavioural issues, age or treatable medical conditions has the right to a loving home.
17. More Than Animals Many people believe that shelters are for animals, but SPCA Branches are a vital part of eachcommunity and important to people as well. We help low income individuals spay and neuter their pets, we reunite lost pets, we care for animals after the death of a beloved owner and we take animals in when an owner can no longer care for them. SPCA Branches become a part of the community that they serve.
18. 2009 Statistics At A Glance TOTAL PROVINCIAL INTAKE = 7,998 LIVE RELEASE CATS = 55.2% LIVE RELEASE DOGS = 81.9% LIVE RELEASE SMALL ANIMALS = 87.0%
19. A BEHIND-THE-SCENES STORY When she was a teenager, Jennifer Nolan would volunteer to cover Saturday night shifts at the SPCA's Metro Shelter in Burnside. Knowing it was the hardest time slot to fill, she was happy to give up the weekend evening to spend time walking dogs, cuddling cats or ensuring the dishes and laundry were done. “I'd walk pretty much every dog,” she remembers. Nolan doesn't give up her Saturday nights too often anymore, but as a full-time staff member at the shelter, she's still as dedicated to the animals that come under her care. Nolan, a Mount Uniacke native who has worked and volunteered at the shelter for about four years, is now the facility's weekend supervisor. She oversees volunteers and staff who ensure the animals are well cared for, which means feeding and interacting with all the pets along with cleaning kennels and cages. A self-avowed animal lover, she derives a lot of satisfaction from the work, knowing that staff and volunteers are helping to provide a warm, clean environment for animals who might otherwise have been on the street or living in terrible conditions. “Some animals have come from some rough places” she says. “So you get to go home and think, I did something good for the day.” Nolan says it's particularly heartening to hear about the animals after they go to their adoptive homes. She says it makes all those Saturday nights worthwhile. Weekend Shelter Supervisor Jennifer Nolan and Matador
20. Changes in Legislation In November, 2008 Bill 186 was passed and in January, 2010, it was proclaimed. The key changes to the legislation include: The division of farm animals from companion animals, so that the SPCA and Agriculture can work collaboratively on improving animal welfare in all environments.* The requirement for veterinarians to report alleged abuse, neglect and cruelty. Stiffer penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty. Greater authority for SPCA inspectors to investigate environments where animals may be suffering from distress. There is still more work to be done, but there have been enormous improvements! *Farm animal complaints represent approximately 6% of cruelty calls.
21. Working Hard is Hard Work The Nova Scotia SPCA is working hard with the support of Agriculture to increase the standards of care for animals. Provincial and Federal legislation prescribes minimum guidelines for the responsibilities of owners and caregivers. The SPCA is advocating to improve these guidelines and is working to develop more comprehensive standards of care, which take into consideration additional restrictions that will promote animal welfare and protect animals from cruelty.
22. Communication to Stakeholders Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is central to the quality of all of our lives. The SPCA believes in transparency, fiscal accountability and strong, responsible governance. We want to communicate openly and honestly with all stakeholders. Our primary stakeholder, outside of the animals that we care for, is YOU, our donor and supporter.
23. Donor Dollars at Work Donor dollars make up the majority of the Society’s revenues. The annual funding commitment from the provincial government to support cruelty investigations is $3,000, where the overall budget for investigations is $561,000 annually. Recently, the Provincial Shelter for the Society lost a significant source of revenue, namely the animal control contract. In an effort to not limit services and restrict admissions, the shelter is working diligently to find efficiencies. The animal control contract funding ceases on March 31, 2010. The projected budget for 2010 is $516,500 and the shortfall is expected to be at least $155,000.
25. 2010 Expenses 2010 Revenues * After March 31, 2010, donations will make up 50% of revenues. ANIMAL CARE 2010 FINANCIAL FORECAST
26. Inspiring Change Every animal matters. Without you our lifesaving work would not be possible. With honestly, awareness, education and courage, we can achieve a more compassionate Nova Scotia. We are all here for the animals and they need our help desperately.
27. Making a Difference Our supporters help in so many critical, lifesaving ways. Everyone makes a unique and wonderful contribution. Help us spread the word and build our community of support for the animals, by getting involved. These are some of the ways that you can help: Volunteerism Monetary Gifts Corporate Sponsorship Humane Education Advocacy Fundraising Adoption/Foster Reporting Cruelty
28. Sponsorship Opportunities The Nova Scotia SPCA is interested in joining with corporations in a mutually beneficial marketing partnership -- A partnership that will support the Nova Scotia SPCA’s lifesaving work! We hope that you will partner with us to help prevent animal cruelty and meet a common goal of a more compassionate Nova Scotia for us all to enjoy. We will make great strides in the protection of animals in Nova Scotia and contribute to a more humane society.
29. Cause Related Marketing The Society can offer a strong, established brand and a heartfelt philanthropic connection. Our supporters are loyal, motivated and receptive. The Nova Scotia SPCA’s cause-related marketing program will present the potential to bolster sales, enhance corporate image, target key markets, differentiate itself from competition and foster customer loyalty. At the Society, we would be interested in discussing ideas that draw new supporters; fund programs; enhance profile and reach; and promote humane education messages and responsible pet ownership.
30. Other Corporate Opportunities There are many ways corporations can help. These are just a few: Create an office event, such as a bake sale, auction, casual Friday/jean day, garage or yard sale, draws or raffles. Set up a company match program, where gifts of the employees are matched by the employer. Consider payroll deduction c/o of the Society through the United Way. Volunteer as an organization at your local shelter for the day. Participate in community events that benefit the Society!
31. Get Involved Today! To learn more about how you can play a lifesaving role in helping animals in need, contact the Nova Scotia SPCA today. Thank you! Diane MacDougall Fund Development & Major Gifts Officer Nova Scotia SPCA majorgifts@spcans.ca (902) 835-4798
