This is why rescue groups around the lower mainland have been trying to work with the SPCA. In June 2002 I was contacted by Cindy Soules (Regional Manager at the time) who wanted to get a coalition going. It was the best idea I had heard in a long time. There were several meetings of the minds and a small task force was created. Cindy Soules headed the project. The small group of us created some guidelines for the SPCA to work with rescue and I personally compiled a local list of mostly breed specific rescues. It took almost a year but we did it. Cindy presented the guidelines to the SPCA Board of Directors just prior to her being fired by Craig Daniell. This was in June 2003. I was told by Craig Daniell that Yes, the guidelines were approved and distributed to the shelters in the lower mainland. He also informed me that Michelle Rogers was taking over the project. I contacted her several times and indicated that the original task force would still like to be informed and participate in any way helpful. She never got back to me. I have also found out that NO the shelters do not have the guidelines and I was told on April 13 that Michelle and Bob Busch are looking at the guidelines closer and that once they were done they would distribute them amongst the shelters. Why do approved guidelines need to be looked at again? I offered to participate, assist in any way possible as I was the first contact when this all started, I have all the files, the meeting notes and information, but seems I have hit a brick wall.

I find the SPCA still isn't working with rescue and many of us have to fight to help dogs, this isn't the way the guidelines were set up.

Everytime I have had an issue with trying to help a dog, I e-mail, I call, and I get no answers. I asked for a meeting but that has never happened.

The rescue community has extended our hand multiple times to help the animals and sadly the SPCA refuses to grab it and walk together and truly help the animals.