Dawson Creek set to end municipal animal control services

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Dawson Creek’s agreement with the BCSPCA for municipal animal control services is coming to an end.

According to a press release on May 27th, the City of Dawson Creek Council had approved a decision to end the City’s agreement with the BCSPCA effective December 1st, 2026, during a May 11th council meeting.

“Council made the decision following several years of staff reporting, service review and financial analysis examining the long-term sustainability of the current service model,” the release said.  

The city said the costs of maintaining municipal animal control services under an agreement with the BCSPCA have increased over time, putting pressure on the city’s operating budget.

In March 2024, the city approved renewing its contract with the BCSPCA for just one year. 

Alternative service delivery options, including bringing services in-house, were reviewed by the council but were found not to be financially or operationally viable. 

According to the city, the decision to end the agreement will reduce municipal costs by almost $300,000 per year, once revenues are factored in.

Animal control services through the BCSPCA will operate as normal until November 30th.

Starting December 1st, the city will no longer respond to animal noise complaints, enforcement or pickup of stray animals, non-emergency dog bite response, excessive animal complaints or general animal control requests. 

Once the agreement ends, residents will be directed to different agencies depending on the situation. 

For animal welfare concerns, including injured, neglected or abandoned animals, residents should contact the BCSPCA. 

Concerns around immediate safety risks involving dangerous animals can be directed to the RCMP or emergency services by calling 911.

Residents can call the provincial conservation office at 250-784-5885 for non-emergency wildlife concerns.

Residents can also report cases of deceased animals on city property to the city’s public works team by calling 311 or 250-784-3600. 

The city said public safety remains a priority, and emergency response channels, including the RCMP when appropriate, will continue to address situations involving immediate danger. 

“We recognize that animal control services matter to many people in our community, and this was a very difficult decision,” said Dawson Creek Mayor Darcy Dober. “[City] council had to carefully balance community expectations with long-term financial responsibility.”

“While this decision changes the city’s role in municipal animal control services, our focus remains on ensuring residents have clear information and understand where to go for support.”

The city also said it will continue to provide updates throughout 2026, ensuring residents understand what services will change, when the changes will take effect and who they can contact for animal-related concerns moving forward. 

Residents can find frequently asked questions on the change on the City of Dawson Creek website.