It's a pity that the SPCA is so reactive to exposure of its shortcomings, instead of more proactive in preventing cruelty.
Just one example: AAS published its joint investigation with the Okanagan Animal Welfare Foundation into puppymills http://www.animaladvocates.com/puppymill-investigations.htm , and the SPCA hired Craig Daniell away from the Ontario SPCA where he did damage control for it by making high-profile seizures on some of the huge puppymills that had been doing business in Ontario unmolested by the Ontario SPCA for decades, after Ontario MPP Mike Colle took the story to the media of puppymills so terrible that they revolted and outraged Ontarians. In BC, the SPCA had been told, usually many times, for many years, about all the puppymills reported in the AAS WebMag that it had permitted to carry on in business, in fact, had told the puppymillers that they were not breaking any law, leading the puppymillers to believe they were operating according to SPCA standards. Then suddenly Daniell seized dogs from some of the these very puppymillers. Of course we are pleased that the SPCA is doing something about puppymills at last, but as it still has not written any standards for keeping dogs (its own poor facilities would not pass any modern humane standards), dog breeders in BC have no idea if they can expect a swarm of media, RCMP, SPCA, and vets to swoop in and seize their dogs and their livelihoods without warning or being given any chance to meet the suddenly new SPCA unwritten standards. This is a questionable method of PCA Act law enforcement. The Act requires that as long as the dogs are not in critical distress (so near death that they must be euthanized to relieve their suffering) the SPCA must first issue an Offence Warning Notice listing all the things that the SPCA wants corrected and a reasonable amount of time in which to correct them, before getting a warrant and seizing. We have no sympathy for puppymillers, but we have a great deal of fear of the law being misused to intimidate and bully. The PCA Act and the SPCA's Branch Operations Manual is clear, the Act is not to be used that way. It is to be used to encourage and correct and only to seize if corrections are not made. An SPCA that does not follow its own Act is an SPCA that cannot be trusted, in our opinion. (See also: "What If Puppy Millers Could Afford Lawyers?" http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl/read/3902)
Another: After AAS published its reports on chained dogs and their psychological and emotional suffering, Mr Daniell said "The message is clear - if you are inflicting cruelty to animals, including psychological and emotional abuse, you will be charged." Fine words, but we have yet to see the proof that they are more than words. (See also "The BC SPCA seizes dogs for psychological neglect? Do tell Mr Daniell" http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl/read/3911)
On January 5th AAS published this report of a Dalmatian found frozen in Surrey. This dog had been reported over the years a number of times to the SPCA and in fact was reported the night it was found (probably too late).
In Response To: FROZEN DOGS: How Many Animals Will Freeze to Death Tonight? *PIC* (AAS)
Perhaps it was a blessing? What was the point of this dog's life? It spent over ten years chained to a dog house in the Lower Mainland. It was reported many times to the SPCA. Last night some kind hearted person went to rescue it at last...and found it dead, curled up in its flimsy dog house, frozen solid.
So Mr Daniell, CEO and Manager of Cruelty Investigations....when are you going to keep your word to stop this?
Or was your boast, "The message is clear - if you are inflicting cruelty to animals, including psychological and emotional abuse, you will be charged", just words, words meant to save the SPCA's butt, not to save any suffering dogs?
We know that the SPCA was deluged with angry emails and on January 10th this story of the Duncan SPCA seizing an outside pup appeared in the Duncan News Leader Pictorial:
"The Cowichan Valley SPCA is strongly reminding pet owners to bring their dogs inside, or at least ensure they have adequate shelter, as the region slowly emerges from a cold snap and snowfall.
One puppy was seized Monday when temperatures dipped to -10 C, and several owners with borderline histories of negligence were visited by SPCA staff.
“People should put on their shorts and t-shirts and walk around outside and see what it feels like,” said inspector Erika Paul.
“There are some northern breeds, like Malamutes, that can endure the cold. And they probably like it colder than warmer. But other shorthaired varieties can’t hack it.
“Use common sense. There’s no excuse for an animal to be suffering in the cold.”
The one seized puppy — a shepherd cross that was ultimately surrendered by its owners — had been left outside with no food, water or shelter. The RCMP requested the SPCA intervene.
Other dogs were found outside with reasonable shelter, but the water in their dishes had turned to ice for a prolonged period of time. Some were discovered stranded with their ropes or chains frozen solid.
“You should at least be able to provide a porch, a basement or garage — some kind of shelter from the cold,” said Paul.
“If you can’t, install a heat lamp in the dog house. You know how uncomfortable you are in the cold. Well, if you’re a short-haired dog, it’s not much different.”
Horse owners are also reminded to provide adequate shelter for their animals, and ensure their water supply doesn’t freeze over. "
And on January 8th the BCSPCA issued this press release:
Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pets
January 8, 2004. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. The BC SPCA urges all pet guardians to make sure their pets are protected from common winter hazards. Some tips include:
Make sure your pet has a warm, dry place to sleep: Dogs and cats should be kept indoors during cold weather. If you must leave your animal outside, make sure the animal is completely protected from the elements, ideally in a heated shelter raised off the ground.
Antifreeze: Many animals like the taste of antifreeze and will readily consume it when given the opportunity. However, antifreeze, even in the smallest amounts, can have a very harmful and often fatal effect on your pet. Animals do not need to ingest antifreeze directly to become ill - pets who lick their paws after coming into contact with the fluid can also be seriously affected. Ensure that you clean up any antifreeze spills immediately and purchase propylene glycol-based antifreeze that is less dangerous to animals. (Click here to read our Antifreeze Fact Sheet)
Salt: The salt used to melt snow can irritate the pads of pet's feet. Wipe off your pet's feet before they lick their paws.
Warm Engines: Cats and wildlife gravitate to warm engines during cold winters. Be sure to ban your hood to avoid injuring an animal in your engine.
Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to produce body heat, so increase your outdoor pet's food. Indoor pets, on the other hand, may get less exercise during the cold months, and will need fewer calories in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Ice-Free Water: If you keep any animals outdoors during winter weather, be sure their water supply is checked regularly throughout the day to ensure that it ice-free.
Further information:
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Lorie Chortyk, Community Relations Manager, BC SPCA:
(604) 647-1316, 1-800-665-1868, or 830-7179 (cell).