An increase in demand has left the BC SPCA struggling to stock their food banks, and an early start to the province91裸聊视频檚 wildfire season has only made matters worse.
According to the animal welfare group91裸聊视频檚 outreach specialist, Diane Waters, the number of organizations being supported is at 155 91裸聊视频� up from 139.
91裸聊视频淲e are constantly getting requests for pet food and supplies,91裸聊视频� she said in an update Friday (May 26).
When some Fort St. John residents, including BC SPCA staff and animals, were forced to evacuate last week due to wildfires, supplies were diverted to assist those who had been displaced.
91裸聊视频淲hen guardians and their pets are evacuated due to a natural disaster like wildfires or floods, they can be away from their homes for weeks at a time,91裸聊视频� Waters said. 91裸聊视频淭hey often rely on the BC SPCA91裸聊视频檚 pet food banks for food and supplies until they are allowed to return.91裸聊视频�
Over the past four months, the demand for help from the BC SPCA has increased significantly, especially in Victoria.
91裸聊视频淪ince 2022, we have seen an over 25 per cent increase in demand for the pet food bank program,91裸聊视频� said Breanne Beckett, senior manager of animal care services in Victoria. 91裸聊视频淭he current food security landscape in our community and rising costs of living have had an impact.91裸聊视频�
The BC SPCA said that a new partnership in Vancouver with the Broadway Youth Resource Centre has been a huge help in keeping the pet food bank stocked.
91裸聊视频淭hrough our partnership with the BC SPCA, I have come to realize the immense love that the youth who come to our centre have for their pets,91裸聊视频� said Luke Guilbault, resource room youth worker.
91裸聊视频淚 have had discussions with young people who often go hungry so they can feed their pets who are very often their best friends. The positive impact of this program on our youth and their animal companions cannot be overstated.91裸聊视频�
The biggest need at animal food banks is dry and wet cat food and cat litter. The organization is also looking for volunteer and foster families.
In 2022, the BC SPCA provided 532,000 meals through pet food banks.
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