Welland & District SPCA and Ontario SPCA deliver mobile spay/neuter and animal wellness clinic in partnership with Beausoleil First Nation
Welland & District SPCA trailer backing onto the Christian Island ferry.
On a warm weekend in October, a group of partners and volunteers took the ferry to Christian Island on Georgian Bay, after being invited by the Beausoleil First Nation’s Elders, Chief and Band Council to bring an animal wellness and spay/neuter clinic to their community. Not only was the weather beautiful, but the community members who welcomed the team showed such warmth and gracious hospitality, it was truly a wonderful experience.
The Welland & District SPCA and the Ontario SPCA are honoured to expand their relationship with the Beausoleil First Nation’s Elders, Chief, Council and community members and were very pleased to be partners with them in delivering critical animal welfare services.
We commend the Welland & District SPCA for their leadership in mobile animal wellness services. With their help and their mobile hospital, the partners made this incredible project a success.
When the weekend arrived, the Welland & District SPCA very carefully backed up and gently loaded their mobile surgery trailer on the ferry and enjoyed a lovely ride over to the island where they set up the clinic in the community centre.
Many other partners also joined the team: Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre, vet students from University of Guelph; RVT and vet assistants from veterinary clinics in Mississauga, Stoney Creek and Toronto; and Petsmart Charities of Canada.
Over the weekend of Oct 20-22, there were a total of 124 wellness exams completed, and 61 spay/neuter surgeries – including 41 dogs and 20 cats. Pet owners were welcomed to be a part of the process and stay with their animal through all the stages.
John Greer, Executive Director, Welland & District SPCA says it’s been a pleasure working with the community of Beausoleil First Nation.
Cat receiving a wellness exam at the clinic on Christian Island.
“We look forward to continuing what I consider a friendship with the Beausoleil First Nation to support their animal welfare initiatives on the island. And our thanks to Hank Monague of Beausoleil First Nation for being such a driving force for the project. Our partners are an inspiring group, “ Greer says.
What can you do to help? A donation to the Welland & District SPCA or the Ontario SPCA – or both! – will ensure this important work continues. Make a gift today to ensure the health and wellness of animals.
Interested in volunteering as part of an Animal Wellness Team? Learn more on our website ontariospca.ca.