TISDALE, CARROT RIVER — Tisdale and Carrot River councils have both chosen to continue using their own pound services rather than use the North East SPCA.
Melfort and Nipawin’s councils have decided to use the North East SPCA (NESPCA), which has its shelter in Melfort.
The Town of Tisdale currently uses the Northeast Veterinary Services to cover their pound services, while the Town of Carrot River uses town staff and the town shop to relocate the animals.
Brad Hvidston, Tisdale’s administrator, said the decision for Tisdale council was based on the location of the Northeast Veterinary Services, with it being a local business.
“They’re local, they’re here in town and we’re supporting our local businesses,” Hvidston said.
Kevin Trew, Carrot River’s administrator, said that their council’s decision to reject the NESPCA’s proposal was based on distance – with the NESPCA shelter being over an hour away.
“Our council has repeatedly said, ‘We don’t see this being a good fit for the Town of Carrot River,’” Trew said.
“This time there was a letter. Council said that it was not a good fit; we meant it was not a good fit. That was the end of that.”
Trew said despite the town not hiring the NESPCA to conduct their pound services, they are supportive of the organization.
“From the Town of Carrot River’s perspective, we currently run a pound program. It’s not well used, but we have bylaws regarding pets – the pet licensing program. We done a lot of work in this. We’re finding we’re doing an okay job with that.”
Trew said the idea of using a shelter as far away as Melfort “doesn’t make sense.”
“Somebody would have to come from there, pick up the dog or cat and then that happens. Then when somebody wants to claim it they would have to go there.”
