Animal Shelter (Bathurst) Inc. / Gloucester SPCA

Animal Shelter (Bathurst) Inc. is an incorporated Charity, which was established in 1970, by volunteers from the public, to provide shelter, care and home placement for the unwanted or abandoned pet animals of Gloucester County. From humble beginnings in a construction trailer on Sutherland Avenue, supported by grant monies from the Sir James A. Dunn Foundation, we were able to shelter and care for 6 dogs and 10 cats at any one time. Through realization that this facility was inadequate to service the needs of the community, the Board of Directors decided to move the shelter from Sutherland to our present location at 880 Riordon Drive. This was financially possible by a bequest of $165,000 which was invested, Monies from the Sir James A. Dunn foundation and a contractual agreement with the City of Bathurst to provide animal control and impound services.  At this location, we have been able to house and provide care for an average of 900 stray and owner released animals a year. Through the diligent efforts of our volunteers, paid (minimum wage) staff of 10 individuals, the internet and reputation in  animal welfare advocacy we presently place 63% of the dogs and 22% of the cats that enter our facility into forever homes.

                In 2004 with the passing of Dr. Forbes McCloud who was the executor of the Sir James A Dunn Foundation, the monies which we received annually from this foundation ($16,000.00) were redirected to the New Brunswick Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. At that time, that organization was at the point of bankruptcy. With the closure of the Smurfit-Stone mill and the downturn in the economy we are facing our greatest challenges, since our existence, in remaining financially viable. We are facing increased numbers of animal control responses (over 60 calls a month) and intakes, both strays and owner released animals.  Presently, it costs over $20,000.00 per month to provide animal control and animal welfare services to the region.We receive $6,081.50 monthly from the city of Bathurst to provide animal control and pound services for the community. We receive an average of 10 calls per day from people looking to release their animals to the shelter because they can no longer care for them. Because of lack of space and money we are unable to accommodate many of them. Cat overpopulation in the city continues to be at an epidemic level, as owners simply cannot afford to spay and neuter their pets and our Animal Control officers spend countless hours in the trapping of feral cats, because owners simply abandon their pets.

All told, the shelter is in dire straits. At present, our animal control vehicles are 10 years old and at the end of their reliability. We cannot even afford to cover the taxes to purchase a new one. Without a reliable vehicle we will be unable to service our contracts. Our building is in dire need of a new roof and repairs. The present ventilation system, which is over 10 years old, no longer protects the shelter from airborne bacteria that threatens, not only, the health of the inhabitants but the financial burden of treating the animals which might become ill as a result of a major outbreak of disease. It is becoming more difficult for our employees to sustain basic amenities on the wages they receive and we have lost valuable experienced employees to other employers as a result and will continue to do so if we cannot increase their wages and benefits.