The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has allocated $5,000 to the Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society (PAWS) for the construction of two new outdoor dog enclosures at its facility in Pemberton.
According to a letter to the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services Committee from PAWS, the existing enclosures at the site are worn, no longer fit for purpose, and were damaged earlier this year.
“This past January during the Atmospheric River Event our location was flooded, causing additional damage to our existing dog enclosures," wrote PAWS treasurer, Erinne Campbell.
"One is to be retired as it is no longer fit for purpose, leaving us with only one secure and safe place to house dogs in our care.”
The Pemberton site was inundated in the January deluge, putting animals' lives in danger due to high water. Thankfully, no animals lost their lives due to quick-thinking volunteers, but the society suffered from damage to supplies.
As they stand now, Campbell said the enclosures are not meeting their intended purpose for animals held in PAWS' care, or volunteers.
The $5,000 will not cover the cost for new enclosures, though Campbell said the society will continue to fundraise within the community to progress the project, which is for new spaces that will have secure siding and roofing with insulation, dig-proof washable flooring, heat and light, and safety-latched doors.
The SLRD board voted to approve the $5,000 in funding, which will come from its Arts, Culture and Recreation stream of funding.
In a further update, Campbell wrote PAWS has so far taken in 14 dogs and 11 cats in 2024, with 13 dogs and 1 cat being adopted out.
The society had three dogs, five cats and six kittens in their care at the time of writing.
Animals adopted through PAWS are given their first vaccines, and are spayed and neutered as part of their adoption agreement.
