From: Bev Davis
To: enlepage@shaw.ca
Cc: Animal Advocates Society of B.C.
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 11:12 AM
Subject: Backyard dogs

Ms. LePage: As BC SPCA Regional District Director for the Central Island, I know you are aware that education is a vital tool in the prevention of animal cruelty.

You know there are many dogs chained in local back yards and yet I see or hear no outrage from you. You have access to TV and radio stations all over the Island that could and should be repeatedly warning dog owners that leaving their dogs to suffer this intolerable cold will not be tolerated.

Sadly, some people do need to hear it since they lack the common sense to know that a dog who months ago suffered extreme heat during the summer cannot endure this bitter cold in the same conditions.

These dogs are chained to overturned boats, truck bumpers, sheds, patios and stair wells which provide no protection. We repeatedly hear that you can do nothing if the dog has food, water and shelter. Perhaps your definition of what the word "shelter" needs to be re-examined. Does your definition of "food and water" include frozen pellets and ice covered bowls?

If you truly believe, according to your mandate as protector of animals, you are unable to release these dogs from their solitary, miserable lives (which is a matter of extreme debate) then at least lead the people in the area to provide some comfort and perhaps save the lives of these poor, shivering animals.

Why not use the media? Ask people to report the conditions of back yard dogs to their local shelter. Warn the owners that their names will be listed and volunteers will be coming to assist their dogs to improve the dogs' conditions.

You have the resources of many people on the Island who would rally to a call for blankets, straw, insulated dog houses and daily visits.

BC SPCA badly needs to change its image to those who would donate and yet I see no innovative actions to prevent cruelty. Ask people for help; they will come. Continue to do nothing more than ask people for donations; they turn deaf.

Bev & Hoki Davis
Parksville, B.C.
Second Chances Adoptions