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Pound services coming to Elkford
In May 2022, local history was made in Elkford when Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society (TMARS) entered into a formal agreement for pound services with the District of Elkford, marking the first time that a registered animal rescue society has officially established a presence within the community.
After TMARS presented to council on October 25, 2021, the District of Elkford’s Director of Planning and Development Services, Jeremy Johnston, prepared a staff report that recommended council consider authorizing an agreement between the two organizations for pound services.
During the council meeting on May 9, this agreement was passed unanimously by Elkford’s council. The new pound services agreement is now officially in place, and it allows TMARS to temporarily house animals under their care in the facility and assist directly with caring for pets in the custody of the District of Elkford.
“We’re very happy to be working with TMARS to improve animal responsibility and care in Elkford,” said the district’s Director of Planning and Development Services, Jeremy Johnston. “This agreement is a milestone for Elkford’s animals, as well as a great example of a mutually beneficial partnership between the District of Elkford and a passionate and effective community group.”
As a kennel-free rescue, TMARS relies on individuals across the Elk Valley to open up their homes and their hearts as fosters for animals under their care. Although the rescue will rarely use the pound facility for housing an animal, having access to this building in Elkford gives them the flexibility needed to accept emergency intake cases in the community.
In other words, having a safe space for incoming animals in Elkford to stay before being transported to their new foster home (or the nearest veterinary clinic) ensures that TMARS can confidently be there for the ones that need them the most. In turn, the rescue makes sure that pets found by bylaw enforcement or surrendered to the district will also receive the highest level of care while at the pound.
“Elkford is the community located furthest away from veterinary and SPCA services in the Elk Valley, so being here for the animals is important to us,” said Acting President of TMARS and Elkford resident, Sharon Soames. “TMARS is thrilled with this opportunity to help provide care for Elkford’s stray and injured animals, and we’re thankful that this agreement with the district helps us to establish an official presence in Elkford!”
Who benefits from this agreement? Cats like Sasha, a young Siamese cat missing from Elkford that was recently reunited with her owners after being recovered in the wilderness near Round Prairie. Missing for three months, how she found herself so far from home is unknown; but thanks to several caring Elkford citizens, Soames managed to locate her, trap her and bring her safely to the pound.
As Sasha polished off some food and water, her photo was shared across Facebook by TMARS and Elkford residents. With the help of swift social media networking, she was immediately claimed and reunited with her grateful family!
“We loved reuniting Sasha with her family and will continue helping other lost pets in Elkford find their way home,” added Soames. “Whether your pet is missing and you need help networking, you’ve found an animal that is sick or injured or you’re facing an unexpected hardship or challenge and don’t know where to turn—TMARS is here if you need us. Don’t be afraid to call on us!”
Interested in adopting or fostering? Currently, TMARS has 23 animals in their care, including three dogs and 20 cats and kittens. The rescue is always looking for volunteers, donations, supplies and foster homes, especially in Elkford!
Learn more at www.twinmeadowsanimalrescue.org, find them on Facebook or email [email protected].
Photo submitted
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