This week, Express reporter Erin Fawcett has asked Councillor Lynne Mulder questions regarding the new facility for the SPCA and its benefit to the community.
"I think it's made an enormous difference," said Mulder. "Why would any cat want to leave? It made me cry when I saw them in such a large amount of space where they can walk around and have soft cushions to lay on.
She added the dog kennels are also an upgrade from what was used in the past.
"There is also an air exchange system that is just awesome and it keeps the animals and staff healthier," said Mulder.
She added now that the SPCA is a bigger facility, the staff are spread a little bit thin.
"But they are doing an awesome job," said Mulder. "There is a retail business they are trying to manage and that is doing really well, plus of course taking care of all the animals.
"All in all the staffs' life has been made so much easier."
She added the new SPCA allows sick animals to stay separate from the healthy ones.
"There is also a closed admitting area and a meeting room that is just phenomenal and that will be loaned out to the public," said Mulder. "It's just a terrific facility and the animals are being adopted more quickly because they can be displayed better."
"There is a huge benefit for the community," said Mulder. "Kids can come in and have their birthday parties at the SPCA. They learn to care for the animals and they learn the responsibility of having an animal. Families also come and gather and spend time there."
She added one of the biggest benefits for the community is that the SPCA can now focus on humane education.
"We're really expanding this immensely," said Mulder. "It's a centre of education for kids and adults."
She added it's good for anyone to be exposed to animals in need and to learn how to properly care for them.
"The new facility is not an eye sore in the community," said Mulder. "It's a beautiful building."
"Fundraising is still going on and right now it's hard because there are so many other charities in Red Deer," said Mulder.
She added many people may think that the fundraising has stopped now that the SPCA is in their new building.
"We used a loan from the City which was worth $1 million and it's all gone," said Mulder. "Of course we will be paying that back but we still need money to pay it back with."
She added the SPCA is also looking at ways to increase their own revenue.
"There is the new retail space now which is bringing in some revenue and we're also looking at ways to increase our revenue at events like Bark at the Bend," said Mulder.
