From the SPCA web site: July 25,2003
First Nations Animal Welfare Review

Thanks to a grant from the Summerlee Foundation the Society has been able to begin a review assessment of animal welfare issues in First Nations communities. Part of this initial work will focus on developing relationships and contact persons, as well as estimations of the numbers of animals and the services available for their care.

The assessment report will be the basis for creating a solution to pet overpopulation in First Nations communities, which impacts animal welfare, and health and safety concerns for First Nations communities.

Comment: We frequently hear from the BCSPCA and others in the animal rescue world, that people who live on the reserves in BC are resistant to any changes, outside help, or improvements to their reserve animals' welfare. In this case, a family from one of these reserves came to the BCSPCA and begged for help, and were treated horribly for it. How likely is it that any more people from reserves will trust the BCSPCA or any other "outsiders" for help, if they can expect to be made a mockery of, slandered by the BCSPCA with the help of the media, and falsely accused of mistreating their dogs?