These three goats moved into the new SPCA barn before it opened, highlighting a need for the facility. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

farm life

‘We’ve always had need:’ Nanaimo SPCA barn opens for farm animal care

Mar 31, 2021 | 2:35 PM

NANAIMO — The days of not having enough space for farm yard animals at the Nanaimo SPCA are officially over.

The new $600,000 barn at the SPCA’s Westwood Rd. location is officially open for horses, cows and farm animals which come into its care.

Leon Davis, Nanaimo SPCA’s executive director, told NanaimoNewsNOW the need for the large animal facility was shown when they accepted four goats before construction was officially over.

“While we’ve been woodstaining there’s been a family of goats and then another goat which was abandoned who we’ve cared for. It’s been an exciting time trying to get things ready and care for the animals as well.”

Davis said they handle more than 200 calls to their animal protection officer, which can involve rural animals needing emergency housing.

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In the past we’ve have roosters and pigs in dog kennels while we wait for finding foster farms. We’ve been doing what we could with what we had and now this facility gives us the tools that we really needed for excellent farm animal welfare.”

The SPCA is now reaching out to volunteers who know how to tend for rural properties to help care for the several acres of land now used for large farm animals.

The three goats who moved into the barn before construction finished are still available for adoption.

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spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt