----- Original Message -----
From: Lana Simon
To: cdaniell@spca.bc.ca
Cc: animaladvocates@telus.net
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2003 10:29 PM
Subject: Re: SPCA - Working with Rescue Groups/Individuals

Dear Mr. Daniell:

Back in late January 2002, before you joined the BC SPCA, a two-day weekend meeting was held by the BC SPCA for management/staff and some volunteers. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the direction of SPCA for the next 5 years based on community input and a report prepared for the SPCA management by an independent Advisory Group. The result of these meetings is contained in an 89 page Final Report adopted called "New Eyes, New Directions" - A Strategic Plan for the BC SPCA , 2002 - 2006. A link to this Plan is below:

http://www.bcspca.com/community/StrategicPlan-Final-May02.PDF

I would direct your attention to page 8 - Guiding Beliefs and Principals contained in that Plan. I have copied several portions below, for your perusal, and have included emphasis, in red, of certain words:

Principled behaviour - What we do is principle-driven. We are open, honest, and transparent in our relationships with our staff, volunteers, and the public. We strive to treat each other and those we serve, including the animals, with integrity, respect and compassionate caring.

Partnerships - By forming partnerships and strategic alliances with those who share our respect for animals, we can accomplish more than any of us can do on our own.

Responsibility - We believe that animal welfare is not solely the responsibility of organizations like the BC SPCA. It is a matter of individual and community responsibility. We are committed to working with individuals and communities, through educational and other initiatives, to provide greater responsibility for animal welfare at the community level.

Accountability - We strive to be accountable in order to deserve the trust of those we serve. We measure, track and report regularly on what we have achieved as well as on what we have not.

The above all implies that the SPCA will reach out and work with individuals from the community (and responsible rescue groups) to assist animals; that it will be open, honest and transparent with the public and that, by forming partnerships with those who obvious care about the animals, the SPCA can accomplish more.

I fail to understand why then the SPCA will not acknowledge or correspond with the many individuals and rescue groups who have offered assistance in many recent instances.

Crystal Kerr of Tofino, is a dedicated, responsible individual who has an excellent track record of rescuing kittens, cats and dogs. She painstakingly documented information and gathered photos of a neglected/abused dog and then supplied her notes to the SPCA. The SPCA removed the dog (Missy) from its home, based on Crystal's reliable information, but has now shut her completely out of any updates on the dog. In addition to meticulously presenting the SPCA with information, Crystal volunteered a foster home and to pay any medical bills for the dog. This is exactly the type of community assistance the Strategic Plan identifies. Yet - she is discarded once she submitted her information.

Jennifer Dickson of Okanagan Animal Welfare Foundation has many years of experience rehabilitating difficult dogs and wonderful skills as a veterinary technician, yet, the SPCA has not acted on any of her offers of assistance with many of the recently seized puppy mill dogs.

Animal Advocates Society has, on many occasions, volunteered to provide foster homes, rehabilitate and re-home abused/neglected dogs. This Society, and its members, have un-matched expertise in dealing with abused and difficult dogs and yet, once again, their knowledge and assistance has not been called upon.

At this point, I feel that the Guiding Beliefs and Principals are mere words on paper. I will be impressed when I see action.

Lana Simon