After reading the article on Nov 1 2003, I was struck by several inconsistencies in the tales spun by the BCSPCA.

The paper reprinted Eileen Drever's statement that we ( the foster parents) were not truthful about the condition of the dogs, they did not have fleas. Below I have included the press release by the BCSPA quoting the SPCA's own vet which was published in the local Chilliwack newspaper.

"One of the basenjis and the Chihuahua had such badly-infected and abscessed teeth and gums, that after the teeth were removed, you could see through to the sinuses," says Dr. Steinebach. "Also, the Chihuahua's jaw had fractured from the infection."The basenjis each took two hours and the Chihuahua three, for the dental work to be completed. Depending upon the breed, most dogs have 40 teeth.Fifteen had to be removed from the Chihuahua, the rest had already fallen out. He has four left."Five dogs were tested and found to have hookworms, tapeworms, fleas,dermatitis, and diarrhea," says Dr. Steinebach. "It's safe to say, as they were all in close contact with one another, all are infected and being treated." Of the 10 animals taken, two (a Maltese-cross and a miniature pincher) were found in the home. The others were found in a small, dark, barn and included six Chihuahuas and two basenjis. They were confined to Vari kennels, chicken cages with wire floors, and a partially-folded exercise pen. It was a hot day, and they had no water. Every dog we released, went straight for water. One seven-pound Chihuahua drank two bowls full ... and the scene was repeated with each one. They all he says, fit the definition of distress with regard to housing, disease, pain, and water. "

I can attest to the presence of fleas on these dogs. The condition of these dogs was clear to the vet but was then seriously downplayed once the bad press started. The BCSPCA can't have it both ways - either the dogs were in serious distress as stated by the vet who tended to them or they were not.

If we, the outraged foster parents have made untrue statements then Craig Daniel and Sechelt SPCA manager Tim Kenna should point them out so we can publicly apologize to the BCSPCA.

The BCSPCA is not a private company, it is run by public donation, it is supposed to be transparent in all it does but I have found in last few months that the BCSPCA is run with a shroud of secrecy and deception while manipulating a sympathetic public, the very people who foster, fundraise and adopt. The end result is that we have been told half truths, treated like trouble makers and now the BCSPCA is further compromising the welfare of dogs by suspending the foster program due to bad press.

I recommend that all animal lovers do a bit of research on the running of the BCSPCA, check out website's such as www.animaladvocates.com <http://www.animaladvocates.com> and www.cyabc.ca <http://www.cyabc.ca> (Citizens Yell for Accountability).

Patricia Josh Best