The latest from the Maple Ridge shelter, as noted in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows News, May 11, 2002:

The BC SPCA has streamlined time-consuming assessment regulations for its moratorium on euthanizing dogs and cats, EASING somewhat the backlog of paperwork at the shelter in Maple Ridge. But space remains a challenge for the local animal shelter, the smallest of 10 SPCA branches in the Lower Mainland.

This article goes onto state, "The edict was introducted at the beginning of March and prevents SPCA shelters from euthanizing dogs unless they prove to be a threat to humans or other animals, or are FATALLY ill". We won't allow animals to suffer," Flavelle said.

Mr. Flavelle (shelter manager) continues, "At first, introductory assessments took 40 to 45 minutes to perform. With recent provincial changes, eliminating redundant and unnecessary steps, Flavelle said they now get done in about 20 minutes. Quick follow-up assessments still have to be performed daily to monitor the emotional and physical health of the animals".

The article continues, "the local shelter has had to put down two dogs since the moratorium was initiated. One dog bit its owner three times (WHICH DOG WAS THIS?? I have not heard about this death from any of the volunteers) the other was put down for medical reasons (what medical reasons?? Mental ill-health??)

Mr. Flavelle concludes, "about two-thirds of the 98 cats currently reg. within the SPCA care are in foster homes. Our fostering program has always been highly successful". (thank's to a very proactive volunteer group who, despite staff disrespect, continue to save our animals!)

How does this information cross reference to the Surrey information?? The views seem on opposite ends of the "assessment issue"!