MANITOULIN – The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recently teamed up to bring much-needed resources to animals in the community of Wiikwemkoong, performing 95 spay/neuter procedures and close to 200 animal wellness examinations during their visit.
The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society’s Mobile Wellness Unit and the Ontario SPCA’s Mobile Animal Wellness Services Unit were in the community on Manitoulin Island from September 9 to 11. The two state-of-the-art mobile units were stationed at the Wiikwemkoong arena for the three-day event where they offered wellness services side-by-side with the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society, also providing spay/neuter surgeries.
The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society, which was formed last year when the Welland and District SPCA and the Niagara Falls Humane Society amalgamated, has a long history of working with the community of Wiikwemkoong. The Ontario SPCA was able to lend its support to double efforts in the community after launching its own mobile wellness trailer in June thanks to a grant provided by the Pet Valu family of stores through its Giving Back Project.
The mobile units have been travelling across the province this summer in a collaborative effort to reduce pet overpopulation and reach underserved pet owners
“We are pleased our friends from the Ontario SPCA are joining us this year on the Island as we work with our friends from (Wiikwemkoong) to provide spay/neuter and wellness services to the community,” said John Greer, executive director of the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society. “Together we are making a difference in the lives of many animals. We are also making a difference in the communities we visit, as healthy animals make for healthier communities overall. It is great to see the impact we are having as we work together to reduce pet overpopulation and improve pet health.”
“We were honoured to be invited to the community to work alongside the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society,” said Daryl Vaillancourt, chief of Humane Programs and Community Outreach at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Helping with pet overpopulation and offering animal wellness services to communities across the province is why this partnership is so impactful.”
Dr. Julia Hughes 
Dr. Julia Hughes
