PCA Act: The SPCA can enter without a warrant only if an animal in 'critical distress' (is in the act of dying and needs to be humanely euthanized to prevent suffering, suffering being an offence under the Act). The SPCA needs a warrant to get in otherwise. A Justice would want to know if the dog is in "distress" without food, water, shelter, in pain, suffering, abuse, or neglect. If not, then the Justice is unlikely to issue a warrant.

The SPCA cannot say that this dog did not have food water etc. From its photo, it seems healthy, just alone. It may have been left lots of food and water.

The SPCA would have to apply for an order of custody to refuse Walter's return to the owner if the owner claims him. Orders cost money. And it is doubtful that leaving a dog with food, water and shelter for a few days is against any law as it is done all the time.

I don't envy the SPCA on this one. The shrieks of rage from the uncomprehending will be heard all over the province.

The SPCA is not at fault here, but the Vancouver Pound's screening is now in question, as well it should be. Walter may be one of thousands of dogs shuffled quickly and callously by the Vancouver City Pound, the pound that boasts about being "no-kill". There are worse things than death, and pet shuffling pounds and agencies pass countless dogs and cats onto horrors worse than what they came from.

Will the VCP reclaim Walter and refuse to give him back to his owner?