The BC SPCA is raising concerns after the City of Dawson Creek announced it will no longer fund municipal animal services, ending its service agreement with the organization effective Dec. 1, 2026.

Under the decision, the city will cease responding to animal noise complaints, stray animal pickup and enforcement, non-emergency dog-bite incidents, excessive animal complaints, and other animal control requests. The BC SPCA emphasized these functions are municipal responsibilities and separate from its donation-funded animal welfare work.

“We are very surprised and disappointed the City of Dawson Creek would make a decision that could leave so many gaps in the animal services available to their community members,” says Emma Hamill, regional manager–Sheltering, Cariboo/North for the BC SPCA.

According to the organization, animal control officers responded to 520 calls in Dawson Creek in 2025 and brought 336 animals into care. Most calls involved animals at large, while others related to noise complaints, licensing issues, and dog bites.

Hamill says the BC SPCA will continue animal protection investigations and community programs where possible, but warned municipal animal control services cannot continue without funding.