The BC SPCA launches an adoption contest today in conjunction with the release of the Palmer Jarvis Theatre Ads.

The theatre ads are a wonderful, educational tool but why the BCSPCA had to cheapen the effect by adding an ill-conceived contest is anyone's guess.

The contest is to be amongst the BC SPCA branches. The branch that adopts out the greatest number of animals in the month of September compared to last September's total will win $1000 for the branch and 1000lbs of Nutro dog and cat food generously donated by Nutro. The recent BC SPCA newsletter described the contest and encouraged the public to come out and support their shelter by adopting a pet.

The impulse purchase of a pet is not likely to bring a life-long commitment and the BC SPCA Mission is to" improve the welfare of companion animals in shelters and the community, facilitate good human/animal relationships and raise their status in society by facilitating inclusion in a wide range of human environments".

I don't understand how an adoption contest based on the number of animals adopted out over a month meets any of the criteria in the BC SPCA Mission Statement.

The animals in shelters are depending on the BC SPCA to find them loving, forever homes. They are not depending on the BC SPCA to pass them out to the first available person who impulsively wants a pet.

This "contest" is certainly not in the best interest of the animals.