Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre seeks help with cold weather upgrades

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Freezing temperatures force the animal centre to temporarily close its doors

Napanee, ON (January 20, 2022) – A recent cold snap has left the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre in Napanee in urgent need of funds for renovations to repair burst water pipes and upgrade insulation so that it can continue to help animals in the community.

Pipes inside the animal centre froze when the temperature dropped in early January. They were repaired, only to freeze again last weekend when temperatures outside dipped to -25°C. For the safety and comfort of animals being cared for at the centre, they were relocated to foster homes and Ontario SPCA animal centres in neighbouring communities. The centre will remain closed until renovations are complete.

The Lennox & Addington Animal Centre is appealing to the public to help cover the costs of repairing the damaged pipes, upgrading insulation and improving the HVAC system to prevent future freeze-ups, at an estimated cost of $10,000. Earlier this week, just over $4,500 was raised for the centre through the Betty White Challenge, but more is still needed to get the facility operational again.

“The health and well-being of the animals in our care is our top priority, which is why these renovations are absolutely essential,” says Esther McCutcheon, Manager, Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre. “If you are in a position to give, please consider making a donation to help us continue to help animals in the community.”

The animal centre at 156 Richmond Boulevard East in Napanee was built in 1990 and has not undergone any significant upgrades since construction. In those 32 years, the Lennox & Addington Animal Centre has found homes for thousands of animals, adopting an average of 500 dogs, cats, birds and small animals each year. It also works to educate animal caregivers through humane education.

To donate, visit ontariospca.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT

Esther McCutcheon

Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre

613-328-1126
emccutcheon@ontariospca.ca

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity, established in 1873. The Society and its network of communities facilitate and provide for province-wide leadership on matters relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals and the promotion of animal well-being. Offering a variety of mission-based programs, including community-based sheltering, animal wellness services, provincial animal transfers, shelter health & wellness, high-volume spay/neuter services, animal rescue, animal advocacy, Indigenous partnership programs and humane education, the Ontario SPCA is Ontario’s animal charity.