Just when I think I can't be more appalled by the SPCA's chronic history of betraying animals it claims to be helping ( little old Goldie, two puppy mill dogs named Brenda and Tamra, and 34 Beaverdell dogs spring instantly to mind for example), it goes and tops itself again.

How can the BC SPCA return animals to a person that it is charging with animal cruelty? Is it out of its mind?

Craig Daniell made some very encouraging comments regarding exotic species and their physical and psychological requirements when the SPCA raided a Kaslo residence last year and removed numerous primates and exotics. He used the word "enrichment", and seemed to have an understanding and concern for the needs of these poor creatures who are not pets.

But he is allowing 3 lemurs to be returned to a woman who can't even keep her reindeer's feet trimmed.

What on earth is going on? I am staggered.

I don't believe for a second that the SPCA intends to keep an adequate check on Rutledge. Even if they did, it would be impossible unless they install Eileen Drever somewhere on Rutledge's farm as a permanent fixture.

And as far as the pot bellied pig being returned because it was lonely...I wasn't aware that the only other pot bellied pig in the world lives at Rutledge's farm.

I've always been able to find a reason for the SPCA's decisions in the past, regardless of whether I agree with it. But this one has me completely stumped. Returning Rutledge's animals is of course bad for the animals, but it also seems to me to be a pretty bad PR decision. It's hardly worth $5000.