A man from North Vancouver raised concerns about a dog crying at a local animal shelter, prompting advocates to push for legislation specifying how long shelter animals can be left alone. The issue gained attention when Daniel Weidner shared online about hearing Luna, a dog, cry overnight at the shelter for over a week.
While B.C.’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act mandates the protection of animals from distress, it does not establish a maximum duration for leaving shelter animals unattended. This responsibility falls on local shelters to make staffing decisions.
Advocates are advocating for clearer regulations and increased oversight from the province. Weidner’s post attracted additional residents to the District of North Vancouver’s shelter, some offering to foster or adopt Luna, while others demanded the dog’s release.
One concerned individual, Kelly Bunting, a volunteer dog walker at the B.C. SPCA’s West Vancouver center, filed a complaint after discovering that the senior dog she walked, Clyde, was left alone without staff from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Bunting emphasized the emotional toll of leaving Clyde overnight and advocated for change.
Various animal shelters in B.C. revealed to CBC News that they do not have overnight staff, with periods ranging from approximately 10 to over 16 hours. The District of North Vancouver shared that their shelter staff typically leaves around 5 p.m. and returns between 8 and 9:30 a.m., while the B.C. SPCA has staff scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Both Clyde and Luna have been adopted, according to statements from the B.C. SPCA and the district. Bunting and Weidner are calling for improvements, with Bunting suggesting a maximum of 12 hours for leaving shelter animals unattended and Weidner advocating for a comprehensive review of shelter operations.
Experts like animal welfare scientist Rebecca Ledger and animal lawyer Victoria Shroff highlighted the importance of addressing prolonged confinement issues and the need for enhanced animal welfare laws and funding. They underscored the significance of legislation to ensure the well-being of shelter animals.
Political parties in British Columbia were contacted regarding their plans to address concerns about staff supervision at animal shelters, with responses varying among the parties. The B.C. Conservatives expressed a commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to establish enforceable standards, while CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko proposed a review of current animal welfare legislation to enhance protections for shelter animals.
The B.C. NDP, the B.C. Greens, and OneBC did not respond to inquiries by the deadline.
