Friday, April 30, 2004

Re: A prison camp for animals, Barbara Yaffe, The Daily Special, April 29

The B.C. SPCA appreciates Barbara Yaffe's efforts to be fair. However, we are concerned that readers may be left with the impression that the situation described by our former employee who is quoted in the article is an accurate picture of what occurs today. The photos shown were of two isolated incidents several years ago, when SPCA shelters were run by volunteer boards of directors and Lower Mainland shelters did not have on-site managers.

The B.C. SPCA has worked extremely hard in the past few years to overhaul its operations. There is a new management team, shelters have consistent animal care policies to follow and Lower Mainland shelters have managers to ensure these animal care guidelines are closely monitored. It should also be noted that the SPCA investigated the two incidents described in the article and disciplinary action was taken.

The SPCA's policy is to use every resource available and every resource we can solicit from the community to save animals. An animal is euthanized only as a very last resort when no other option is available. In fact, the B.C. SPCA has one of the lowest euthanasia rates anywhere in North America and this has been achieved through the extraordinary efforts of our management, shelter staff and volunteers.

I invite any individual who cares about animals to visit the local SPCA to view our operations, to meet with staff and to judge for themselves the level of care provided for animals and the dedication of our staff and volunteers.

I also invite every British Columbian to be part of the solution in addressing animal abandonment and abuse. Let's work together to create a society where every animal is treated with respect, care and compassion.

Craig Daniell

Chief Executive Officer, B.C. SPCA
© Author 2004