The Alberta SPCA was incorporated under the Societies Act on September 10th, 1959 and was instrumental in the creation of the Animal Protection Act in Alberta in 1967.
Since that time, animal welfare has evolved extensively. Whereas animals were a part of many homes in the 1960s, pets are now considered to be a member of the family by most owners. This has meant not just an improvement in the physical care of the animals, but far more attention to their mental well-being as well.
A fourth generation Albertan with deep roots in the province’s pioneer history, Dr. Duane Landals graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a major in animal and soil science, in 1971. In 1975, he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon.
Dr. Landals spent 25 years working in a rural mixed veterinary practice. After leaving private veterinary practice, he served 13 years as Registrar and Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. He is Past-President of both the Alberta and Canadian Veterinary Medical Associations and served as Vice-President of the World Veterinary Association as well as chair for the 29th World Veterinary Congress in Vancouver.
Aside from a career in veterinary medicine, Dr. Landals’ commitment to improving the care and welfare of animals extends to several appointments, including Director and Vice Chair for Alberta Farm Animal Care, and Director for Veterinarians Without Borders, Canada.
Dr. Landals lives on a small farm near Onoway with his wife Lucille. They share their life with 19 head of riding and driving horses and a joyful golden retriever. Their farm is conveniently located close to the families of their three daughters and six grandchildren.
Dr. Landals joined the Alberta SPCA Board in 2016 and was elected President in 2018.