Yellowknife (Apr 15/05) - Changing the perception that animals are not property, but instead sentient, feeling beings is an ongoing process, according to Janet Pacey.

Janet Pacey, president of the NWT SPCA performs one of the unpleasant, but necessary tasks associated with pet ownership. Her pitbull Winnie watches.

Since her three years as president of the NWT SPCA, Pacey says that challenge will be mitigated with the eventual introduction of new territorial legislation.

"There will be much stiffer penalties for cases of animal abuse and neglect," Pacey said.

"We want people to respect animals more than they currently do," she said.

Volunteering with the NWT SPCA is a rewarding, yet challenging position, she said.

Being a very social person, Pacey said she had no problem bringing the SPCA into the public eye and raising awareness about the organization.

By participating in events such as Raven Mad Daze, Caribou Carnival or the annual dog jog, Pacey said the SPCA and the homeless pets are put in the limelight.

During her term as president, Pacey said the SPCA has evolved into a strong, all-volunteer fundraising society.

There are nine regular board members as well as 74 dog walkers and about 30 other volunteers who help in various ways.

"We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all pets," Pacey said.

Pet projects include finding new homes for abandoned animals, promoting spaying/neutering and providing public education for responsible pet ownership.

There is also the popular 'Take Me, I'm Yours' television program on local cable which highlights various NWT animals ready for adoption, she said.

Many people have the misconception that the SPCA runs the city dog pound, which they do not, Pacey said.

Eventually, Pacey said it would be ideal to have its own shelter and run the city dog pound contract.

"But right now we're happy to support the Great Slave Animal Hospital because we are all volunteers," she said.

One of the top priorities of the SPCA is to encourage spaying and neutering, she noted.

The NWT SPCA also offers a rebate program or a loan program for those having their pets neutered or spayed, Pacey said.

"All of our activities go towards benefitting either the public by us educating them on humane treatment or it goes directly to the animals at the Great Slave Animal Hospital shelter."