Many councillors spoke of the value the humane society has to the city, SPCA says it has plans to build a new facility in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls city council has renewed its partnership with the SPCA, with a 5-year contract starting in the new year.
SPCA General Manager John Greer said without the humane society, the city would need build its own.
"By the time you put it all in, it's a $20-25-million project, because there's vehicles involved, there's training of staff... it would become by-law doing it, you wouldn't have our expertise."
He adds there are plans to build a 23,000 square foot state of the art hospital in Niagara Falls, starting in 2024.
Councillor Mike Strange feels many residents don't know enough of the value the SPCA has, and what it would be like without the humane society. "I've gone to countries like Mexico, Dominican, Cuba, Thailand, where there's just dogs and cats everywhere.... if we didn't have the service, the spay and neuter program, with over 56,000 done, can you imagine what our city would look like."
The city says the deal is worth $574,000, to which the city pays the society for services rendered.
Many councillors spoke of the value the humane society has, relaying concerns from the public relating to value for tax money spent.
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