Nova Scotia SPCAs face crucial shortage of volunteers

The SPCA is facing a scarcity of volunteers across the province.

It's trying to offer more services and help more animalsbut the number of volunteers isn't keeping up.

Theorganization says it can't do it without them.

"Right now,some staff are coming back after their hours to make sure dogs and cats getexercise and human contact
they need," Sydneyshelter manager Monty Crawley said.

Niblet, a black beauty, has lived in a cage at the Cape Breton SPCA for more than four months with no adoption in sight.

"When animals spend time here in a kennel environment, it is hard for them, no question about it," Crawley said.

"That does take a toll on the animals so we like to keep them out of that kennel environment as much as they possibly can while they are in our care. "

SPCAs can only accept the number of animals they can care for,provincial animal care director Sandra Flemming said.

Every shelter is full, so finding more foster families is critical, she said.

"Especially during the breeding season when you have all the kittens and pregnant females flooding our shelter. But becoming a foster, it acts as a virtual shelter to allow us to assist more animals," saidFlemming.

More volunteers means more animals can be taken out of cruelty situations or off the streets, she said.