I would like to respond on three points:

"it's who you communicate with that usually makes the difference. Chances are the person you reported this to was not much of a go-getter and perhaps did not want to take action in this matter. "

The BCSPCA has the mandate to enforce the PCA Act and who you speak to should not make a difference however, what you say I have to agree with. Many seasoned employees ( in my experience) have not changed their old attitudes and their apparent lack of regard for the animal involved can be very frustrating .

" wish we had tougher laws to prevent dogs from being hurt in this way. But perhaps with tougher laws, this would cause an increase in the amount of dogs that are being admitted to the SPCA. Could the SPCA deal with it? I don't think so. At the same time, we need to protect these animals from these owners. I am not sure just what the answer(s) is. "

The SPCA could be lobbying in their communities for tougher bylaws, the SPCA could be drafting what they consider healthy bylaws and standards of care to go along with the often advertised but seemingly unenforcable "Five Freedoms". There has been much talk about building healthier communities and little action. The other main problem is "unlimited surrender". If the SPCA continues to be the dumping ground for unwanted people's pets there will never be enough room or resources for the truly needy animals in our community.

The BC SPCA Charter:

Whereas:

The world is inhabited by many species sharing a common ecosystem of air, earth, and water. We recognize and value our interconnectedness with all animals.

Therefore:

The BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the animals of the world we share.

We pledge our energies to inspire and mobilize society to create a world in which all animals, who depend on humans for their well-being, experience, as a minimum, five essential freedoms:
freedom from hunger and thirst
freedom from pain, injury, and disease
freedom from distress
freedom from discomfort
freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being

"I just get so sick of seeing uncaring owners continue to purchase dogs and cats, then do nothing to take care of their needs. Just what is their point?"

The whole point is a lack of education. Many people honestly know nothing about how to care for an animal. If owners have not learned from their parents to be good to their pets and no one teaches them and no one talks about it when the animal is sold, and no one follows up to see if all is going well, and no one counsels when there is a problem the cycle of abuse continues to the next generation. We all know that.

Someone needs to take the lead and start teaching the children in every classroom in every school in the province how to care for an animal if anything is ever going to change. Children learn and will teach their parents, but a little handout to read is not going to help. Children need one to one and a chance to answer questions. A trip to one classroom of thirty students could enrich over thirty animals lives.