|
March is Fix Your Pet month
Pet overpopulation still exists in
Ontario as a direct result of animals left unaltered. Each year, tens of
thousands of dogs and cats end up on the streets where they fall victim to
neglect and abuse, or in shelters in search of new homes.
Over 25,000 animals
come into the care of the Ontario SPCA every year. Protecting your pet by having
them spayed or neutered can help reduce this number and make our community a
safer place for our pets. Spaying/neutering pets will reduce health risks and
physical stress, and improve behaviour. Fixed pets are also less likely to
roam, reducing the risk of injury, accident and loss.
Our goal is to help reduce the
number of homeless pets and fix as many animals as possible. With that in mind,
the Ontario SPCA and its Affiliate Communities operate high-volume,
self-sustaining spay/neuter services across the province, including in
Newmarket, Barrie and St. Catharines. The public, shelters, and rescue
groups are welcome, regardless of geography or income level.
Help us spread the word
about this important issue by participating in our Cone of Fame contest. Let’s
change the conversation and encourage pet owners to be proud of the cone pets
often wear after spay or neuter surgeries. Join the conversation by posting a
photo using #ConeOfFame.
|
|
Paws & Hooves program at TSC Stores supports animal rescue and
adoption
Support animal rescue
and adoption when you shop for items for your home, farm, yard or outdoor hobby
during Paws & Hooves events at TSC Stores in support of the Ontario SPCA
and our Affiliate Communities.
For every $2 donation,
you’ll receive your choice of a paper paw or hoof to be displayed in the store
showing your support. To participate, drop by your local TSC Store (The
Incredible Country Hardware Store) during one of their upcoming Paws &
Hooves events:
April 7 – April 30
May 26 – June 8
July 14 – July 26
Oct 20 – Nov 2
Dec 1 – Dec 14
By participating in the Paws & Hooves program,
you’re making a difference in the lives of animals in need.
|
|
National Cupcake Day™ proves
to be another sweet success
Thanks to you, National Cupcake Day™ in
support of SPCAs and Humane Societies was another great success! Delectable and creative cupcakes could
be found in communities in every corner of the province – and across the nation
– on Feb. 27.
Now in its fifth year, National Cupcake
Day is as simple as it is sweet. Participants register online to host a
National Cupcake Day party in their community on any date in January or
February. They then invite co-workers, friends and family to enjoy a sweet
treat in support of animals in need. In exchange for a cupcake, guests donate
to the participating animal welfare charity of the host’s choice, raising critically-needed funds for animals that are abused,
abandoned, neglected or no longer wanted.
Celebrity
chef Anna Olson, host of the Food Network’s Bake with Anna Olson, was our spokesperson for the campaign in Ontario. As official “Cupcake Crusader” she called on the
baking community to rally together to “bake” a difference for animals in need.
Thanks to you – our generous sponsors, participants,
donors and cupcake crusaders – the 2017 event was another great success.
|
Dog bite prevention starts
with you
Have you ever had a close encounter with a dog in which
you feared you would be bitten? The majority of the time, dog bites can be
prevented by following a few simple rules when it comes to dog behaviour.
Most people know to ask first before reaching out to a
pet a dog, but are you aware that you should let them sniff your closed hand
before attempting to pet them?
While you might automatically reach to pet the dog’s head, to
avoid the risk of being bitten, pet the dog’s shoulders and chest instead.
There are also verbal cues and body language you need
to keep an eye on. A wagging tail or a crouching body doesn’t always mean
friendliness, which is why it’s critical to watch the dog’s posture for signs
of fear, anxiety or aggression.
But what if you’re approached by a dog you don’t know
while out for a walk or run? To minimize the risk of being bitten, stay quiet
and still. Never run or scream.
Visit our blog for more tips on dog bite prevention.
|
