Letter to the Editor
Vancouver Sun

Dear Sirs:

Re: SPCA urges end to backbiting amongst animal activists (Jan. 22/04)

Mr. Daniell (CEO, SPCA) states, "put differences and conflicts aside so we can work together". Are volunteer groups refusing to cooperate with the SPCA or is it the other way around? If his statement is sincere, Mr. Daniell is failing to recognize that it is the SPCA, more often than not, that refuses to cooperate.

One example: The SPCA acknowledges there is a significant feral cat problem in all regions of BC. SPCA policy states, "a permanent solution to the feral cat problem is needed". The San Francisco SPCA has an effective feral cat control program in place. The BC SPCA has no program, doesn't even have feral cat traps, and refers the public to all-volunteer groups like ours when problems arise. But has the SPCA cooperated with us, or respected our input? No.

Until the SPCA implements a program to get at one of the main cat overpopulation problems in the Province, its own shelters will be overrun with feral kittens. We will continue to push the SPCA to address this problem until it adopts a humane, compassionate solution and stops ignoring the desperate pleas from the public.

Lana Simon, President
Pacific Animal Foundation
www.pacificanimal.org