The Fort McMurray SPCA has seen an increase in the number of animal surrenders in recent months, but this has been offset somewhat by an increase in the number of pet adoptions as well. The struggling economy is partly to blame for the higher number of animals who are surrendered to the organization. For some paying bills and putting food on the table has become a struggle because of the poor economy and rising rate of unemployment in Wood Buffalo, and unfortunately the money available to these individuals is not enough to cover their necessary expenses as well as food, vet bills, and other expenses associated with having a pet. The cut backs and lay offs that the residents of Fort McMurray have experienced in recent months has had a trickle down effect so that even the animals are affected.

Fort McMurray SPCA executive director Tara Clarke talked about the rise in the animal surrenders and pet adoptions, saying “It’s quite an increase. Surrender numbers are certainly up over previous years.” From the beginning of November in 2015 until midway through December the numbers show that 57 animals were surrendered. During the same period in 2014 only 25 animals were surrendered, so the number of surrenders is more than double what it was a year earlier. This shows the extent of the economic problems that the population in Fort McMurray faces right now. Clarke said “Certainly a difference has been, as well, the reasons for surrender. There have been people losing their homes, losing their jobs… Those have been the circumstances (for surrender) in many of the cases.” As a result the Fort McMurray SPCA is focusing on programs which can help people keep their pets when they have hardships when at all possible.