Making a difference 🐾
At BC SPGA, everyone is a volunteer with a big Heart 💖
BC SPGA
People with pets are the Voice for their animals.
The Society for British Columbia Public Guardians and Animals (BC SPGA) was formed in 2023 to advocate for people with furry, feathered, and scaly friends across the province.
As animal lovers, we know how important it is to be dedicated to protecting and establishing rights for people and their pets or animals. The BC SPGA aims to be that voice working to improve the lives of animals and support their human guardians throughout British Columbia.
Considering that BC animal parents represent over half of the British Columbia population it would seem that they should also have a Voice in important issues.
The society operates exclusively with non-salaried volunteers with very Big Hearts.
Volunteer team efforts include educational programs, outreach initiatives, representation for people with pets or animals and programs that assist pet guardians with the increasingly higher costs of pet medication and veterinary care, higher costs of animal foods and supplements, and with other basic pet care needs.
The mission of the BC SPGA extends beyond mere advocacy; it encompasses a holistic and grass roots approach to animal welfare that includes legislative efforts for people with pets rights and protection, community engagement, and extensive support through our programs and services for those who care for animals.
Animal and pet guardians in BC contribute significantly to the provincial economy. As voters, people with pets have a significant impact yet no say in animal issues that affect our daily lives.
In addition to the advocacy and educational efforts, the BC SPGA actively promotes the importance of fostering a supportive network among animal lovers. By connecting guardians with one another, as well as with local veterinarians and animal behaviorists, they create a strong community that shares knowledge and resources. This collaborative spirit not only enhances the wellbeing of animals but also enriches the lives of their guardians, creating a vibrant ecosystem of care and support.
The society is comprised of animal educators, activists, mostly by the far majority by people with pets and the many animal lovers who share our communal commitment.
🐾 What's important to People with pets in BC 🐾
Joining the Society is a good cause that keeps you informed.
The BC SPGA welcomes the input of BC's people with pets and we invite feedback, suggestions and ideas via our contact form. We conduct surveys often to gage how best we can move forward with effectiveness and the representation of our population's animal and guardian Voice.
The Society has done a lot since it's inception in 2023. Listed below are complaints from the public we receive:
- ANIMAL POLICING - By far the biggest number of complaints are received about the BC SPCA. People express anger with BC SPCA policing of guardians including warrantless property trespasses, investigations that are subjective, unmonitored policing, over-policing, misuse of power, and extremely high costs to taxpayers. Reform in animal policing is imperative. BC SPGA supports the Constitutional Charter initiative to end the BC SPCA seizing pets while in veterinary care, campaign for a Task Force review and recommendations, and campaign for animal police reform.
- PET-FRIENDLY TENANCIES - British Columbians with pets are struggling and finding affordable pet-friendly housing is a primary concern we are addressing with our campaigns and ongoing communications with government. BC SPGA work with other stakeholders to end pet discrimination in tenancies.
- LACK OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT - Pets and animal expenses have risen in some areas by almost 200-300% and the liability with the BC SPCA policing in charges that can include imprisonment and fines up to $75,000 present a huge financial and risk liability to those with pets. Is it worth it to have a pet? one pet guardian asked. BC SPGA proposed the Pet Bonus (annual) and Pet Tax Credits to the provincial government to help British Columbians with pets to cope. The Campaign For a B.C. Pet Bonus and provincial Pet Tax Credits campaign is very popular and continues to garner a high percentage of the public with pets and animals support.
BC SPGA
The Voice For British Columbian people with pets.
The BC SPGA welcomes the input of BC's people with pets and we invite feedback, suggestions and ideas via our contact form. We conduct surveys often to gage how best we can move forward with effectiveness and the representation of our population's animal and guardian Voice.
Below is a scale showing how we contribute all of our volunteer efforts to representing the Voice Of Animal Guardians in BC with innovative programs and campaigns:
Feedback
A random selection of email feedback received.
Saul Goodman
Ceo & Founder
About time that we have more than just animal bills to pay. I look forward to putting our needs first and not last.
Sara Wilsson
Designer
It's so great to finally speak out about the issues that people with animals face EVERY DAY!
Jena Karlis
Store Owner
Excellent initiative and so timely. We shoulder the expenses in every direction and have no say in anything. Glad I joined.
Matt Brandon
Trainer
Exactly how I have been feeling for a long time where was a Voice for guardians and their pets? Thanks and will contribute wherever needed.
John Larson
Entrepreneur
When you think about how much we spend on animals and we have no rights and neither do they. Change is on the way with BC SPGA.