SPCA Head Hopes for More Criminal Charges
By 250 News

Thursday, February 26, 2009 09:24 AM

Prince George, B.C. – The head of the BC SPCA says he is determined to see that those who cause cruelty to animals or abandon animals are dealt with by the courts. Such is the case with the Renshaw horses which were rescued by a group of volunteers from the McBride area just before Christmas. Charges have been laid against the owner of the two horses in that case.

Craig Daniel (sic) says charges have also been recommended to Crown in the case of the Langley horses. In that case, several emaciated animals were found to be owned by two people, one of whom was a veterinarian( click here for previous story). He says he hopes in the next couple of weeks that there will be word of charges.

“I am worried that the prospect of the economic downturn carrying on that people will abandon horses. If people have problems, they can turn to the SPCA and we can get these animals looked after.”

Daniel came to Canada from South Africa ten years ago and was surprised at the level of animal abuse in such a wealthy nation. Speaking on the Meisner program this morning, on CFIS FM and live streaming audio on Opinion250.com, Daniel says the job of the cruelty investigations officer is a difficult one, “I take great pride in the job we do, we are the animals last line of defense,”

He says one of the things he is determined to do is to make people more aware of animal cruelty “It exists in every community, and the only way we are going to put ourselves out of work is if we make people aware and they say that is not acceptable.”

One of the most contentious issues in Prince George has been the one which resulted in the banning of exotic animal “shows”. That means no more elephant circus acts. Daniel says it is unfortunate that people mean well and bring in exotic animals but don’t have the faintest idea on how to raise and meet the needs of the animals “Most people get these animals as a kick, getting them as a cub, but then the animal grows up and spends the rest of its life in a cage.”

Daniel says when it comes to wild animals in Canada, he doesn’t see a great appreciation for the wildlife here “We are all connected and it is our job as stewards to make sure they survive.”

Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 09:24 AM in News by 250 News