Dear Carol,
Thank you for your email. I have seen the article you mention, which was produced locally by the Victoria Branch. The newsletter is normally done by the volunteer Community Advisory Committee, but it is unusual that a staff member would not have yet seen a copy.

The plight of backyard dogs is a very serious issue for us. Even if dogs have the basic requirements of food, water and shelter, it is no life for a dog to live without the socialization and interaction that they crave. You are not mistaken in thinking cruelty enforcement in our mandate -- we investigate thousands of complaints every year, including hundreds of cases involving neglected backyard dogs. But we do also call on the public to help us educate people and change attitudes and behaviours towards backyard dogs because it is only through widespread public pressure that we will see long-term change.

I really appreciate your concern for this topic and am forwarding your email on to our humane education coordinator so that we can provide you with some concrete action steps you can take to help raise awareness about the plight of back yard dogs if you are interested in doing so.

Warmest regards,
Lorie Chortyk
Community Relations Manager, BC SPCA