New humane society emerges in P.G.

A new animal rescue group is looking to spread its wings (and paws) in Prince George and across northern B.C.

The Prince George Humane Society sprung into existence with an announcement Saturday during the Mega Sale, an annual car dealership event at the Exhibition Grounds. Led by Angela Lotze, the former manager of the BC SPCA's North Cariboo District Branch, the group is looking to help all creatures, be they furry, feathered or scaly, with a feline and canine focus for the moment.

"We started at 11 (Saturday) morning," laughed Michael Amdini, director of animal health and welfare for the humane society. "We take in dogs, cats, mainly, if there's other (animals) we can and we will, strays, if people can't take care of their dogs anymore, they can bring them to us."

The society is also hoping to work with rural and First Nation communities to address problems with pet overpopulation.

"There's a lot of dogs on (reserves)," said Amdini. "What happens with most of those dogs, they stay in the home for a couple of months, they're getting too big, they're (getting let) out on the reserve but (nothing is done) to prevent them from reproducing. "So you get a lot more dogs. Dogs in packs... will start hunting. With small children, that's a big concern."

Amdini said the society is planning to conduct spay and neuter clinics on reserves. Depending on numbers, dogs would be let loose back onto the reserve or adopted out into homes in Prince George.

The society is looking to build a permanent facility but, for the moment, will be relying on foster homes around the city.

Amdini, who worked for the North Cariboo branch as an assistant manager, said there is a need for another animal rescue group due to strained capacity at the city's SPCA facility.

"The SPCA is overcrowded, we had to turn away a lot of people because we were full," said Amdini. "We're not focusing just on people who live in town, we are focusing on around town as well."

The SPCA's North District Cariboo Branch saw a string of resignations early this year, including six of its eight-member community council, amid complaints over workplace harassment and a lack of support from the provincial office. None of the allegations have been proven and the BC SPCA and WorkSafeBC have vowed to investigate.

The P.G. humane society is currently working with Northland Hyundai, which will donate $100 for every vehicle sold Monday through Thursday. The dealership also donated a van to the group.