Taylor looks to tackle animal safety with SPCA

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Taylor hopes to renew its relationship with the North Peace SPCA for the safety of animals in the district. 

As the district’s current five-year agreement with the animal society expires in March 2025, staff have begun drafting a proposal for a new agreement to run from 2025 to 2030.

The proposed draft agreement was presented to the council during the January 27th committee of the whole, and outlined annual fees the district would provide the society.

The SPCA would retain licensing fees and fines collected during impoundment when applicable, and an annual fee would be provided to the society for its services as an option for “the care and housing of animals found to be at large”.

Annual fees in the draft proposal outline a steady increase from $5,548.25 for the year of 2025, to $6,244 in 2030. 

The draft agreement outlined alternative options the council could choose to pursue if a contract with the SPCA was not desired, however the councillors stated they wanted to continue the relationship with the society. 

The draft agreement will come before the council again in another meeting before the current contract’s conclusion in March, where the district can formally vote to approve the agreement.