BC SPCA RESPONSE TO
VANCOUVER SUN EDITORIAL
by Craig Daniell, CEO

Dear Editor:

A few weeks ago, I wrote an editorial urging animal rights groups to set aside their backbiting for the sake of the animals. Sadly, this call for cooperation has only escalated the venom by some individuals. Donna Liberson's editorial in the Jan. 30 issue of the Vancouver Sun ("Euthanizing the SPCA") contained so many deliberately malicious lies about the SPCA that it is impossible to address each and every one of the inaccuracies within this letter.

Her statements that the SPCA does not spay and neuter its animals, does not follow up on every cruelty investigation, and euthanizes animals that could be saved are outrageous fabrications. Equally ludicrous is her claim that she recently provided homes and spay/neuter funding for 52 seized cats in Chilliwack. These cats were spayed and neutered by the SPCA and placed with a reputable rescue group for fostering, not with Ms. Liberson.

Ms. Liberson claims to be a disenchanted SPCA volunteer. What she fails to mention is that she actually had to be removed as a volunteer because of inappropriate behaviour against the public and fellow volunteers that was so violent and unstable that the police had to be called on two separate occasions.

Despite Ms. Liberson's problematic behaviour, the SPCA continued to work with her for the sake of the animals throughout the years by providing free spay/neuter services for her cat rescue group (several of which received free spay and neutering at the SPCA Hospital only last week). It seems odd that Ms. Liberson doesn't remember this while claiming the SPCA has no interest in reducing pet overpopulation.

We urge those who support animals to visit our website at www.spca.bc.ca for an item-by-item response to the misinformation in Ms. Liberson's editorial or to call us at 604-681-7271. Criticism is one thing - the malicious spread of lies is a different matter. If Ms. Liberson's goal was to alienate donors with her deceit and to reduce the SPCA's ability to help animals in need, she has probably succeeded in some cases. It's a shame that her victory will come at the expense of the animals.

Craig Daniell, CEO, BC SPCA