Tracy Pellizarri: In the wake of the 4.6 million dollar deficit revealed by the BC SPCA last week a coalition of seven animal welfare groups are questioning where donor money is going. The BC Animal Welfare Coalition says millions of dollars in donations are not being used to protect homeless animals. Spokesperson Cheryl Rogers says a top heavy administration could be to blame.

Cheryl Rogers: If you look at the current financial statements which so far are not audited either, there's an increase in both the administration costs and the revenue development cost which both come under general expenses, so presumably that's not a direct animal expense.

Tracy Pellizzari: She says the Coalition is concerned donor dollars were used to pay salaries for people not directly involved with the animals. They want the Province to appoint an independent ombudsman to ensure accountability. Management Services Minister Joyce Murray is making no promises after receiving a report by a Legislative Committee that has recommended more than two dozen changes to BC's Freedom of Information Act. The report also recommends examining the status of the SPCA which is exempt from both Freedom of Information and the Society Act even though its classified as an non-profit society. The committee calls the SPCA an anomaly.

Joyce Murray: It certainly seems that way to the Committee, but you know I haven't dug into that yet, and that will be part of the job that I am doing with the Ministry staff to look at the background to these recommendations.

Tracy Pellizzari: Murray isn't saying when her review will be complete.