The death of Willy is a poignant example of a society structure based on protocol and procedure rather than heart and consideration.

The BC SPCA has blanket protocol for the entry of animals into the SPCA system. As soon as the animal enters the system it gets a vaccine regardless of its physical condition and that is deplorable.

The BC SPCA is responsible for administering the PCA Act throughout the Province and this would suggest to most people that the BC SPCA has standards and protocol that that would lead by example. The manner in which the BC SPCA treat all the animals in their care should be of higher standards than they expect of others and one would hope that would include looking at each animal individually and developing a care plan suitable to the animal's best interests. This should start on intake. If an animal is obviously unwell why is there not a protocol in place to determine the animal condition before plunging a vaccine into it to make it even more unwell?

In Willy's case not only was he vaccinated while obviously unwell he was heartlessly placed next to sick dogs to catch kennel cough. How can this be even considered acceptable?

It was no secret that the Surrey SPCA had a problem with kennel cough as it was mentioned frequently on the website. Perhaps I am naive, but I was really surprised when so many dogs were transferred out rather than the Surrey branch simply quarantined. Would transferring dogs to other shelters not potentially spread rather than isolate the kennel cough to make even more dogs ill?

The Surrey Shelter had their isolation area off-limits for over a week and then six dogs were killed. The six were Malone the rottx pup, Vance, Blake, Max, another boxerx, and the cocker. But did the Surrey SHUTDOWN during this crisis? No!

The whole time the BC SPCA in Surrey were still collecting strays and bringing them into the Surrey SPCA.

Time and time again I have been told the BC SPCA do not have the funds to spay and neuter all the animals in their care. I have been told they do not have the funds to fix this dog's teeth or fix that cat's hernia. I have been told that the BC SPCA is doing the best they can. I suggest the public expect better.

Carol Sonnex
Victoria

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