A legal definition of "critically ill" is that a vet must intervene to save an animal's life or that the animal is so ill or injured that a vet can't save an animal's life. (See PCA Act below.)

Overcrowding doesn't lead to critical illness -- (as Ms Chortyk is quoted having said) -- or any illnesses in fact, except mental illnesses something which the SPCA has admitted to and with which we certainly agree). In the mid-1500s a physician hypothesised that something called "germs" caused disease; that was confirmed by Louis Pasteur in 1854. Bacteria and viruses cause most physical illness. If you believe this quaint theory of "germs", it seems that it is not overcrowding that leads to physical illness.

Overcrowding can only tend to "lead to critical illness" if there are pathogens present to spread which are not treated. Most pathogens can be controlled through modern methods of sanitation (if you believe that quaint theory); and most can be treated -- and are treated all the time by other, no-kill rescue organizations. The SPCA has admitted that it kills for easily treatable upper respiratory infections (colds), ringworm, and even diarrhea. Not even distemper or parvo are untreatable.

So we can't agree with the SPCA's definition of what a critical illness is; and not agreeing with the definition, we can't agree with the statement that the SPCA only kills animals "when they're so critically ill that we just can't save them."

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act:
Relieving critical distress in animals

12 (1) In this section, "critical distress" means distress in an animal of such a nature that

(a) immediate veterinary treatment cannot prolong the animal's life, or

(b) prolonging the animal's life would result in the animal suffering unduly.

(2) If, in the opinion of

(a) a registered veterinarian, or

(b) an authorized agent, if a registered veterinarian is not readily available,

an animal is in critical distress, the authorized agent may destroy the animal or have the animal destroyed.

Authority to enter without a warrant

14 (1) In this section, "critical distress" means distress in an animal of such a nature that

(a) immediate veterinary treatment cannot prolong the animal's life,

(b) prolonging the animal's life would result in the animal suffering unduly, or

(c) immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to prevent the imminent death of the animal.