Pincher Creek Humane Society faces operational crisis

Josh Davis – The Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA (PCHS) appeared as a delegation at the Tuesday June 28 meeting of the Council for the Municipal District #9 of Pincher Creek. Led by the new PCHS President Roxane Baalim, the delegation discussed with council the issues of reducing veterinary costs, and creating a sustainable funding model. According to the delegation, if PCHS continues on the financial path they are on, they will quickly run out of money, and be forced to close their facility. According to Baalim, the best alternative for the PCHS is to look to their partners in the community to address their challenges. Reeve Brian Hammond called this a “situation of crisis,” and stated that the PCHS cannot wait until the joint funding discussion for 2017 to address these issues. “The level of urgency is kind of important here,” said Hammond.

People in your neighbourhood - Firefighters Sandra and Duncan Gano

Firefighters Sandra and Duncan Gano

Toni Lucas

"We moved here in September,"  said Sandra Gano.  "I wanted to be involved in the community and help where I can."  The couple came from Manitoba and the two decided to volunteer at the local Lundbreck Fire Hall.  Duncan was a volunteer firefighter in Manitoba for five years and Sandra is joining a hall for the first time.  Sandra was volunteering at the Pincher Creek Humane Society and SPCA and recently has joined the team of paid staff.  They choose to move here based on proximity to woods, mountains, and family that is centered close by in Montana.  "We really  like it here, the people have been so friendly," said Sandra.

A warm and fuzzy grand opening for new Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA facility

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA held the grand opening on their new facility on Friday June 12, 2015.  This facility has been in the making for years with planning, fundraising, filling out grants, and relocating during the actual building period, as the new facility is on the site of the old facility.  The official ribbon was held by young helpers Alexandre and Catherine and speeches were given by MD of Pincher Creek Deputy Reeve Terry Yagos, Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, and Pincher Creek Humane Society President Clara Yagos.  Mayor Anderberg performed the official ribbon cutting.

Mayor Anderberg cuts the ribbon as Deputy Reeve Terry Yagos and Humane Society President Clara Yagos look on (with Alexandre and Catherine holding the ribbon)

Canyon School Animal Care Breakout students donate to SPCA

Lorraine Robbins

These wonderful Canyon School's Animal Care Breakout students recently collected and donated money, food, old blankets, towels and toys to the animals at the new SPCA facility in Pincher Creek.