In her message below, Executive Director Leanne Niblock reflects on the milestones, challenges and collective efforts that shaped the past year, and the meaningful impact made possible through collaboration, innovation and commitment to animal welfare:
Reflecting on the past year, my heart is full of gratitude — for the Albertans who stood beside us, and for the remarkable community of advocates and caregivers who support us in helping animals.
Meeting Animal’s Needs with Urgency and Care
In 2025, our Animal Protection team was faced with a significant number of complex files, many of which included multiple species, and large numbers of animals. One example is a file involving more than 70 dogs living outside on a rural property. Just trying to catch them all was a huge challenge. Many needed veterinary care and behaviour training, since they had never been socialized. Once they were healthy, they were transferred to our shelter partners and, ultimately, adopted into new homes. Their journeys underscore why our mission matters every day.
Innovating how we serve Albertans and Animals
We embarked on a meaningful evolution of the Alberta SPCA brand and resources. On our 66th anniversary in September, we unveiled a refreshed identity and redesigned website — including tools to make help easier to access when it matters most. A new online decision tree guides Albertans step-by-step on what to do if they’re concerned for an animal’s welfare, helping reduce confusion and speed the connection to the right support.
This year also marked the inaugural Animal Welfare Symposium, a significant milestone in collaborating across sectors to find solutions. Held in Nisku, the symposium brought together advocates, municipal leaders, educators and animal welfare professionals. This event provided an opportunity to explore complex issues through the lens of One Health and to strengthen our collective capacity to address the root causes of animal welfare issues.
Strengthening Community Support and Outreach
Our remarkable donors remain essential to sustaining our work. In early 2025, we launched the refreshed Animal Heroes Lottery and 50/50 raffle, commemorating ten years since one of the largest seizures in our history, in Milk River, and inviting supporters to “be an animal hero” to support frontline responses. Another impactful moment this year was distributing nearly 23,000 bags of pet food, valued at $2.2 million, with support from Greater Good Charities and ZIWI — helping feed hungry animals, relieving pressure on shelters, and supporting struggling pet guardians across the province
Advocacy and Enforcement
Our enforcement work remains anchored in accountability and animal protection. In April, a joint investigation with RCMP and Parkland County Enforcement Services resulted in the seizure of horses found in distress — reinforcing how community reporting and law enforcement collaboration can protect animals and secure justice.
We engaged with the Government of Alberta on meaningful updates to Alberta’s Animal Protection Act, advocating for more tools for our peace officers to improve efficiency and effectiveness in resolving animal care concerns. We also had success collaborating with crown prosecutors ensuring prohibition orders are clear and precise.
To every supporter — from donors to lottery purchasers to everyday Albertans who look out for animals in their communities — thank you. It’s your compassion that fuels this work. Together, we stand on the front lines every day, speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Here’s to a compassionate 2026 and countless lives changed through kindness, action and community.
Leanne Niblock, Executive Director, and Hope
