The Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) has seen a steep increase in animal intakes since the year began, with the amount not slowing down in the summer months.
“The number of animals in need this year are at an historical high," said President of the Board of Directors Romany Runnalls.
"This includes calls from owners that need support and resources, animals in need of urgent medical care and thousands of animals that are being born on the streets of our urban centers. The cat and kitten population is literally exploding in the vast rural farming region of the Okanagan/Armstrong/ Shuswap region.”
Runnalls mentioned that they had a large initial wave of 'kitten season' earlier, and a second wave has recently begun, which has overstretched the OHS's finances.
Many of the animals are lost, abandoned, or neglected and trying to survive on the streets. Now they must rely on survival skills to make it through the hot summer temperatures.
"We have a very efficient and nimble system that allows us to work with the community, our local veterinarian partners, and a host of expert fosters to give these animals the second chance they deserve,” Runnalls said.
The OHS is entirely volunteer run, so the majority of donations go directly to the animals that need care.
Last year, the volunteer team rescued, rehabbed and fostered more than 1,300 animals, and have neutered 24,000.
“We are a small charity with a big impact in the Okanagan Valley," Runnalls explained. “We serve the animals because of the generosity of our community and as our need is up significantly this year, we are hoping the community will rally to support the local animals in need.”
To donate or for more information on the OHS, please click here.
