When people face challenges caring for a beloved companion animal, finding help can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Vancouver Humane Society is proud to join six other independent organizations in launching the new Humane Societies of BC collaborative!
This province-wide network connects people with trusted local support for their pets, keeping more animals safe, healthy, and home with their families who love them.
Together, the collaborative will help families across British Columbia access services like emergency veterinary assistance, pet food and supplies, behaviour support, and rehoming resources when needed. By working together while responding to the unique needs of each community, the network aims to strengthen the safety net for animals and the people who love them.
The collaborative includes humane societies in Clearwater, Kitimat, the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, Prince George, Victoria, and Vancouver. To learn more, visit HumaneSocietiesBC.ca. Donations for this work continue to go to each individual registered charity.
Recent news stories from the Humane Societies of BC
This piece written by Melanie Denomme, a Biological Sciences PhD student at Brock University, originally appeared in The Conversation. Every day, millions of people watch their pet reptiles run, dig, swim or climb up against the walls of their enclosure. …
New research finds repetitive behaviours in reptiles
New research shared by a Biological Sciences PhD student at Brock University examines the behaviours of reptiles kept in captivity as pets. The research looks in particular at the repetitive behaviours of bearded dragons, such as scratching, pacing, or rubbing against the walls of their enclosure (often referred to by reptile hobbyists as “glass surfing”).
Though the opinion piece approaches the research from a perspective of reptile keeping, it raises questions about the inherent concerns with bringing and breeding undomesticated animals who have complex needs into captivity.
Repetitive or “stereotypic” behaviours in animals often signify stress, discomfort, frustration, or a desire to escape. These behaviours are common in undomesticated, wild animals kept in captivity, such as in zoos, at aquariums, or as exotic pets.
Note:The VHS uses the term “exotic pets” to refer to animals that are not domesticated, that are not native to the local habitat of British Columbia, and that are kept in private homes or similar environments. The term does not apply to domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, or domestic rabbits.
Like mammals, reptiles show signs of frustration at not being able to escape confinement
In an opinion article published on the Brock University website, researcher Melanie Denommé states, “Mammalian carnivores, such as mink, polar bears and lions, sometimes perform repetitive pacing in captivity. And while there may be multiple reasons for the behaviour, researchers have found that thwarted escape is a common motivation.”
The researchers’ results supported that the same was true for reptiles: “Lizards climbed up, dug at or walked against the only ‘door’ in their enclosure more than any other barriers.”
Why do reptiles want to escape?
“Enclosures that are too hot, small or boring may be a common cause of wanderlust,” the Denommé states. The researcher suggests that increasing the space and enrichment available to reptiles can help reduce repetitive behaviours, but notes that this does not always succeed.
This reflects the reality that it is extremely difficult or impossible to meet the complex needs of many reptiles and other exotic animals in a captive home environment.
Should anyone keep reptiles?
Most captive reptiles are exotic species not native to B.C., with the potential to impact local ecosystems and wildlife if released.
Reptiles already kept in private homes, rescues, zoos, and aquaria across B.C. need experienced, thoughtful care in the environment best suited to their specialized needs.
If a keeper understands the complex needs of these animals and feels prepared to meet them, taking in rescued or surrendered reptiles is valuable and much-needed.
At the same time, it is important to move away from breeding and bringing new reptiles into captivity who are not well-suited to captive environments.
Why move away from keeping reptiles as pets?
Many reptiles and other exotic pets spend their lives bored, frustrated, and suffering when their needs are not met.
Interested buyers may not be given adequate information which can lead to reptiles suffering, dying, or being released into an unsuitable native ecosystem. Reputable rescues for exotic animals are often at or over capacity and many organizations are struggling to meet the demand created by the exotic pet industry.
You can read the opinion piece or full research paper at the link below. Please share this post to help others learn more about the complex needs of reptiles.
The VHS is grateful to the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada for their generous grant funding of our work to raise awareness about the suffering of wild, exotic animals kept in captivity as pets and used in mobile live animal programs.
The Agri-Food Analytics Lab (AFAL) at Dalhousie University says Canadians are spending more money on food.
As grocery prices increase, more Canadians are turning to budget-friendly plant-based foods, according a recent article from CityNews Vancouver.
“The Agri-Food Analytics Lab (AFAL) at Dalhousie University says Canadians are spending more money on food.”
“Sylvain Charlebois, AFAL’s director, says that this has an impact on what Canadians choose to purchase at the supermarket, moving away from higher-priced items such as meat.”
“‘We are starting to see a shift towards different diets like vegetarianism, pescetarianism, and flexitarianism as well. That’s becoming more popular in Canada.'”
A 2023 report from the Vancouver Humane Society found that eating more plants could save an individual in the Lower Mainland 14% on groceries. The VHS’s PlantUniversity program offers resources, like budget-friendly recipes, to help people who are transitioning toward more plant-based eating thrive while enjoying healthy, delicious meals.
The VHS’s McVitie Fund, which provides emergency veterinary assistance to pets in urgent need, has seen a huge increase in demand due to the rising cost of living. Communications Director Chantelle Archambault recently appeared on CBC Radio’s On The Coast to discuss the program as part of their coverage of rising demand for animal services.
What is the McVitie Fund?
The Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund program provides emergency funding for life-saving vet care for guardians who can’t afford it otherwise.
When someone loses their job and then their cat escapes and runs into traffic, or if a person living on disability assistance takes in a dog from a late family member and then she suddenly gets a life-threatening infection, they may have nowhere else to turn.
For many people, this program means their loved pets can get the care they need instead of making the impossible choice to give them up, see them suffer, or have them euthanized.
Rising costs of living mean more people need help
Requests for veterinary assistance from the VHS’s McVitie Fund have reached unprecented levels.
So far this year, the VHS has received almost 1,200 applications for help from pet guardians. In the same period last year, the program had fewer than 800 applications. This is a 50% increase in demand over 2025.
And last year’s demand was already unprecendented—the program received more than 11 times as many applications in 2025 compared to 2020.
The VHS team is deeply familiar with how the increasing cost of living over the past several years has impacted pet guardians. Many families are struggling to come up with the funds for frightening medical emergencies with their beloved companions, leading them to reach out for support.
How animal supporters are saving lives
Because veterinary care isn’t subsidized like human medical care in Canada, this program is entirely funded by donations from members of the VHS’s caring community.
Every dollar donated makes a difference to help a loved companion animal come home safe.
Devastating blaze on Gladwin Road on Thursday afternoon (May 21) kills tens of thousands of birds
We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating loss of 165,000 chickens in a barn fire in Abbotsford on Thursday, reportedly the deadliest barn fire in the community in more than a decade. Our thoughts are with the thousands of sentient beings who suffered and died in this tragedy.
This heartbreaking incident also highlights the inherent animal welfare and safety risks of the industrial farming system.
The average chicken farm in Canada confines approximately 36,000 birds in a single barn, making emergency evacuation during fires, floods, and other disasters virtually impossible. As a result, chickens are disproportionately affected in mass casualty incidents on farms across the country.
Beyond the dangers posed during emergencies, chickens raised in industrial systems experience routine stress and suffering while living in crowded, barren conditions that prevent them from expressing natural behaviours.
Tragedies like this are a stark reminder of the urgent need to move away from intensive factory farming systems. Each of us can help by reducing our consumption of animal products, choosing more plant-based meals, and advocating for stronger protections for farmed animals and a kinder, safer, and more sustainable food system.
We are grateful to the firefighters and emergency personnel who responded to this devastating incident, and to everyone who continues to speak up for farmed animals.
Scientists learn that fish suffer around 10 minutes of “intense pain” when killed during the catch process by air asphyxiation.
A new study published in Scientific Reports and featured in an article from Earth.com spotlights the suffering of fishes when they are caught and killed for food.
While land animals killed for food in Canada must be stunned before slaughter, there is no such law around fishes. Wild-caught fishes are commonly killed by asphyxiation (slowly suffocating to death in the open air), which leads to immense fear and suffering.
The research found that “the average trout endures about ten minutes of pain that qualifies as hurtful, disabling, or excruciating. In some conditions, this could stretch beyond 20 minutes.”
Researchers evaluated stunning as an alternative to prolonged asphyxiation for fish. Their findings highlight flaws in both the stunning methods they evaluated.
“Electrical stunning, if properly used, could spare 60 to 1,200 minutes of suffering for every dollar spent … But implementation remains inconsistent. In many commercial settings, electrical stunning fails to reliably render fish unconscious.”
“Percussive stunning – a physical blow to the head – has shown better consistency in lab settings. But it’s difficult to scale.”
As we recognize that fishes are sentient animals who feel pain, experience fear, and try to avoid suffering, there is one method that can consistently protect their well-being: switching from fish to plant-based alternatives on our plates.
The Rideau Carleton Raceway is shutting down its horse racing program, the raceway’s operators say.
Following the closure of both B.C.’s active horse racing tracks in 2025, another racecourse in Ontario has announced an end to its horse racing program.
“The Rideau Carleton Raceway is shutting down its horse racing program, the raceway’s operators say.”
The closures come as a result of waning public support and declining revenues, which have been making the industry unsustainable at various locations. Though these horses will move to other racing venues in Ontario, the closure signals a hopeful shift in public attitudes around the use of animals in risky sporting events.
Horse racing poses serious welfare concerns due to:
Common incidents of injury and death for horses;
Issues with selective breeding—thoroughbred horses are often overbred for speed rather than skeletal strength, making their legs susceptible to fatal injury;
Young starts to horses’ short racing careers, which puts them at high risk and can cause early decline;
Aversive training methods and uncomfortable equipment, like whips and tight bits, which can cause stress and pain.
These welfare concerns put horses at risk of an uncertain future, as do the track closures that result from declining revenues and public support. As such, industry professionals should transition away from breeding new animals into an unstable future and plan for a compassionate retirement for horses who may be impacted by closures.
Why do we underestimate cattle? Many choose to think of “edible” animals as unintelligent, but in the case of cattle, research proves otherwise.
New research featured in Psychology Today is bringing cow intelligence into the spotlight, increasing awareness around these sensitive and sentient animals.
As animal allies, we know that animals think and feel, whether they share our homes like cats and dogs or are killed for food like cows, pigs, and chickens. However, awareness around farmed animal sentience remains sparse and cognitive dissonance is common.
Research on animal intelligence helps more people to understand that animals are capable of complex thinking, problem-solving, emotions, and even social relationships. As this evidence becomes more widely understood, it challenges outdated views of animals as simple or unfeeling and highlights their capacity to experience stress, pain, and well-being in meaningful ways.
This growing awareness encourages the public and decision-makers to reconsider how animals are treated, supporting a shift toward animal-free eating habits and stronger welfare standards.
Read the article in Psychology Today to learn what a free-living herd of domesticated cattle can teach us about cow intelligence and adaptability.
Gray cat in a cage for transportation. Cat paw trying to open the cage Carrying for animals. Relocation and animal transportation concept Copy space
A new study on why pet guardians surrender their companion animals highlights the complex, difficult circumstances behind these decisions and points to practical ways to keep more pets in their homes.
Rather than single causes, the research identifies patterns—such as financial hardship, new pet guardianship challenges, and behavioural incompatibilities—that shape different pathways to surrender. The findings show that many guardians seek help before turning to shelters, indicating that earlier, more accessible support could make a critical difference.
“Many people struggle long before they contact a shelter. Providing support earlier in the process could prevent rehoming altogether, which would help people keep their cherished pets and reduce the number of animals that enter shelters. Some key recommendations would be to tailor support to different situations, offer support earlier, and expand accessibility of community-based services that support people and their pets.”
The research suggests that more accessible community-based services like affordable veterinary care, behavioural support, and short-term pet assistance can strengthen the human-animal bond and reduce the number of animals entering the already-overcrowded shelter and rescue system.
The Alberta government passed the Animal Protection Amendment Act (Bill 22). The update includes some meaningful changes to protect animals, but sadly, the Bill passed with an exemption that leaves animals vulnerable to distress during sporting activities. Please see the Current Campaigns page for more ways you can help animals used in rodeo and other sporting events.
Alberta is proposing its first major update to animal protection laws in more than 20 years.
The changes signal a growing recognition that stronger protections are needed to prevent animal suffering and hold offenders accountable.
While some proposed changes in the Animal Protection Amendment Act (Bill 22) include meaningful improvements to be celebrated, animals used in sporting events, such as rodeos, are left vulnerable.
Alberta residents: Learn more below, then email your MLA and Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Minister RJ Sigurdson (AGRIC.Minister@gov.ab.ca), to express your concern and seek stronger protections for animals used in sporting activities.
Under the existing Animal Protection Act in Alberta, which has had no major updates in more than 20 years, it is illegal to cause an animal to be in distress, with exemptions for some animal use industries.
Now, Alberta is proposing a major update. This signals important progress—but one of the proposed changes would allow distress resulting from the use of animals in a sporting activity that is carried out in accordance with “reasonable and generally accepted practices”, expanding the types of industries exempted.
This concerning change could allow sporting industries that use animals to effectively make their own rules and allow harmful practices that cause significant suffering, such as in rodeo events.
This change may also make it harder to hold people accountable or enforce rules while setting a risky example that other jurisdictions might follow. Removing the proposed exemption for allowing distress in sporting activities is a critical step toward ensuring animals are protected.
If you are a resident of Alberta, or have friends and family who are residents, share this information and contact your MLA and the Minister of Agriculture, who is sponsoring the Bill, to request changes to better protect animals. The legislation is moving quickly! Don’t hesitate to speak up for animals.
A persistent loophole
Vague language, like “reasonable and generally accepted practices” often allows industries to set their own standards when no external standards exist, even when those practices may cause harm. It may also limit enforcement action when there are no clear guidelines on what a generally accepted practice is.
Animals used in sporting activities should not be subjected to distress or cruel practices for entertainment.Closing this loophole by removing the exemption for causing distress in sporting activities is a critical step toward ensuring animals are protected.
Limited public input
While the province consulted with a range of stakeholders, including industry representatives and enforcement agencies, there was no formal public comment period for the Animal Protection Amendment Act (Bill 22). This has left many concerned individuals in a rush to contact their MLAs to request amendments before the bill progresses further.
The legislation is still in early stages, and there remains an opportunity to strengthen protections for animals. However, the timeline for public input is unclear, and the process appears to be moving quickly.
Don’t hesitate! Contact your MLA and Minister Sigurdson and express your concerns before the legislation progresses and amendments can no longer be made.
Raising concern about vague exemptions like “reasonable and generally accepted practices” that can result in significant animal suffering.
Requesting the removal of the proposed distress exemptions for animals used in sporting activities.
Calling for clear, enforceable protections that address the risks associated with rodeo and other animal-based sporting activities.
For example, prohibiting the most dangerous and inhumane rodeo events, handling practices, and tools that cause animal suffering.
As the bill moves forward, decision-makers have an opportunity to build on these improvements and deliver legislation that fully reflects the public’s expectation for strong, enforceable animal protection laws.
By contacting your MLA or encouraging friends or family who are Alberta residents to do so, you are taking direct action to strengthen protections for animals.
