City of Dawson Creek Announces End of Municipal Animal Control Services

Dawson Creek, BC — At the May 11, 2026 Council Meeting, Council approved ending the City’s service agreement with the BC SPCA for municipal animal control services, effective December 1, 2026.

No immediate changes to service will occur. Municipal animal control services through the BC SPCA will continue as normal until that time.

Council Decision and Rationale

Council made the decision following several years of staff reporting, service review, and financial analysis examining the long-term sustainability of the current service model.

The cost of maintaining municipal animal control services through the BC SPCA agreement has increased over time, placing ongoing pressure on the City’s operating budget. Council also reviewed alternative service delivery options, including bringing services in-house; however, these options were not determined to be financially or operationally viable.

The decision is expected to reduce municipal costs by approximately $300,000 annually, after revenues are considered.

What Residents Need to Know

Until November 30, 2026, animal control services through the BC SPCA will continue to operate as they currently exist.

Effective December 1, 2026, the City will no longer provide municipal response to animal noise complaints, stray animal enforcement or pickup, non-emergency dog bite response, excessive animal complaints, or general animal control service requests.

After December 1, 2026, residents will be directed to the appropriate agency depending on the situation:

• Animal welfare concerns (injured, neglected, or abandoned animals): BC SPCA
• Immediate life safety risks involving dangerous animals: Call 911 (RCMP or emergency services)
• Wildlife concerns (non-emergency): Call provincial conservation office at 250-784-5885
• Deceased animals on City property: Report to the City’s Public Works team by calling 311 or 250-784-3600

Public safety remains a priority. Situations involving immediate danger will continue to be addressed through emergency response channels, including the RCMP where appropriate.

“We recognize that animal control services matter to many people in our community, and this was a very difficult decision,” said Mayor Darcy Dober. “Council had to carefully balance community expectations with long-term financial responsibility. While this decision changes the City’s role in municipal animal control services, our focus remains on ensuring residents have clear information and understand where to go for support.”

Next Steps

The City will continue providing updates throughout 2026 to ensure residents understand what services will change, when those changes take effect, and who to contact for animal-related concerns moving forward. No changes to service will occur before December 1, 2026.

A public FAQ regarding this change is available on the City’s website at www.dawsoncreek.ca/animal-control.

-30-

Media Contact:
Communications Department
communications@dawsoncreek.ca