All animals deserve good care
Published: September 18, 2008 6:00 PM
Updated: September 18, 2008 6:03 PM
Dear editor,

You recently published a letter from D. Renz (Record, Sept. 10) criticizing the actions of the SPCA for the problems at the Comox Valley Fall Fair.

We are disappointed that D. Renz did not bother to obtain all the information regarding what was happening before submitting his /her opinion.

The SPCA representative referred to in the letter was conducting an inspection authorized under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The visitation to the Fall Fair was a follow-up to written notification delivered to the Comox Valley Exhibition Association administration in July.

It stated the minimum requirements for housing of animals which would be exhibited at the Fall Fair. The requirements are set out by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals — the standard generally accepted.

As well, it was a condition of entry of animals for exhibit that they have food and water available.

The Fall Fair site was inspected in the presence of one of the directors of the Fall Fair on the afternoon prior to opening, and the director was advised at that time of changes necessary for housing the animals.

Despite having been given ample opportunity to meet the housing requirements, in some areas there was no compliance.

Contrary to the opinion of some of the adults involved in discussions the day in question, it is not OK for animals to be placed in inadequate living conditions, even for “only two days.”

The issue here is not of the SPCA “hassling 4H kids,” it is one of the directors of the Fall Fair, the adults involved with the 4H and the farming community in general realizing that all animals have a right to minimum standards of care.

Comox Valley SPCA

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/opinion/letters/28631294.html