BC SPCA reports voters overwhelmingly believe animal control enforcement is important for community public safety
By Contributor
Recent polling conducted by Stratcom* on behalf of the BC SPCA shows that 91.7 per cent of British Columbians believe animal control bylaws and their enforcement are important for community public safety, with the majority (67.1 per cent) agreeing that animal control bylaws are a good use of local government tax revenue.
“A safe, healthy community includes responsible care for animals,” says Sarah Herring, senior officer, Government Relations for the BC SPCA. “Strong animal control bylaws protect community members and support animal welfare by preventing and addressing issues before more serious problems arise.”
Voting for candidates in the upcoming municipal elections who support effective, evidence-based animal welfare policies in local animal control bylaws is one of the most powerful ways people can protect animals in their community. The BC SPCA encourages community members to ask local candidates about how they plan to maintain and strengthen animal control bylaws and animal welfare protection.
To assist in those discussions, the BC SPCA has created a 2026 Local Government Election Toolkit (.pdf) that can be downloaded and gives British Columbians everything they need to begin discussions about animal welfare and responsible community policies, including key questions to ask and outreach ideas to help them connect with candidates with confidence.
The BC SPCA also encourages local governments and community members to use the Bylaw Search Tool to find examples of strong animal control bylaws that are currently in place across British Columbia.
For more information on local government elections and how to help shape a better future for animals in the community, visit spca.bc.ca/advocate/2026-
