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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The NWT Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced their new board of directors at their annual general meeting on Sept. 10.

Former Newfoundlander Sarah Hunt, who works for the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission was appointed president. She has been part of the NWT SPCA since she moved to Yellowknife more than four years ago.

"I got up here and shortly after there was the spring trade show," said Hunt. "I was walking around and saw the SPCA booth there. I approached them and asked if they needed any help. I went to a board meeting and I was on the board."

Before moving to Yellowknife she had adopted pets from the SPCA but had never volunteered for them. "I'm the proud single mom of two cats," said Hunt. "Annikah is from the SPCA in Newfoundland and Abigail is from the NWT SPCA."

Hunt replaced Janet Pacey who was the former president of the organization.

"I'm very excited. It is a huge role to take, especially following Janet Pacey. She was a great leader for this organization. I'm really hoping I can follow in her footsteps and be successful at it."

Hunt said her responsibilities include working toward the SPCA's mission of providing education about responsible pet ownership, promoting spaying and neutering and promoting pet adoption. She also said the SPCA provides education binders to schools so children can learn about animal-related topics.

Former president Pacey has volunteered with the SPCA since 1999 and was president since 2001.

"I'm going stay on as past president but not in an official capacity," said Pacey. "I'm going to keep going to the meetings and make sure if Sarah doesn't know something I can help out."

Rounding out the new board of directors are Sonya Robinson as vice-president, Dianne Pagonis as secretary and Sarah Windle as treasurer. Julia Beresford, Kim MacEachern, Nicole Spencer and Denise Bowen were voted in as directors.

The new board intends to become more involved in the community informing people about what they do. There are many new faces and Hunt says she is looking forward to the next meeting on Sept. 25 where the board can start working together.

"We're all avid animal lovers," said Hunt. "We just have to get to know one another and see how each other works. Even though I am president and I provide the direction for the board, most about everything is done in consensus with all the board members. We use a lot of feedback from our members and our volunteers."

Hunt said the 2009 NWT SPCA calendar should be out at the beginning of November. Judging for the pet photos in the calendar will start in the next few weeks.