January 904

http://vancourier.com/124203/news/124203nn3.html

Animal rights groups want money-losing SPCA audited

By David Carrigg-Staff writer

A coalition of animal rights groups wants the provincial government to investigate the B.C. SPCA's $10 million in losses over the past three years.

In a prepared statement, Cheryl Rogers, spokeswoman for the B.C. Animal Welfare Coalition, said the society's 2001 and 2002 financial statements were not audited, as is required under the society's governing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Rogers also refuted a Dec. 10 claim by the society's acting executive director, Craig Daniell, that the B.C. SPCA receives no government funding for its cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and other animal services.

Daniell made the claim after the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents some front-line society staff, launched a campaign asking people to donate animal food and services to the society, but not money.

The B.C. SPCA recently laid off several management and front-line staff members, blaming high union wages and increased shelter costs for the society's dismal financial performance.

CUPE, in turn, pointed to almost $1 million the society has spent in the past three years on severance packages for ousted managers.

A former executive director of the B.C. SPCA's Vancouver branch won an undisclosed out-of-court settlement after he was fired. The firing followed revelations that his salary had risen from $88,000 to $204,000 a year between 1996 and 2001, despite that branch's worsening financial situation.

After Hooper was fired, the society launched some reforms, centralizing control of its 32 B.C. branches at head office in Vancouver.

Doug Brimacombe, executive director of head office, then employed a string of new managers, who were laid off shortly after he was let go in May with no public explanation. Daniell has since taken over as acting executive director.

Rogers said the 2001 and 2002 unaudited financial statements show the society received almost $2 million in gaming funds and $140,000 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. The society also receives money from municipalities for animal control and shelter work.

"Contrary to what the CEO claims, considerable taxpayer dollars go to this organization that now reports serious financial trouble," Rogers wrote, pointing to deficits of $2.6 million in 2001, $4.5 million in 2002 and a projected $3.5 to $4 million this year, for a $10 million deficit.

She said the group first called for government intervention and an audit in April, a request echoed by CUPE Dec. 3.

"Minister John van Dongen is responsible for the SPCA legislation and to the public. Where is his oversight of the B.C. SPCA's financial situation?"

Graham Currie, spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, said the government does not intend to intervene in the affairs of the B.C. SPCA, a private organization.

He said the society has filed the paperwork required under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.