June 17th, 2004

To: Craig Daniell
cc: SPCA Board of Directors

Dear Mr. Daniell:

Re: Cheech - Delta SPCA

The fact that two employees are risking their jobs and possible police charges to save a dog from euthanasia indicates that something is amiss with policy at the Delta SPCA.

One of the employees, Amanda Muir, was highly praised by the SPCA Head Office for her professional actions last year when she was attacked by a dog in the SPCA's custody. The Fraser Valley Regional SPCA Manager was quoted as saying "Amanda is one of our most outstanding employees."

Apparently the dog has been in SPCA custody for only a short period of time and is therefore still in the process of rehabilitation. All dogs in a shelter environment are constantly under great stress and that must be taken into consideration when assessing their temperaments. Since a valued and professional employee of the Delta SPCA and a SECOND staff member consider the dog to be responding to rehabilitation and are willing to put their jobs on the line, it seems inconceivable that the SPCA Head Office would not postpone any euthanasia decision on the fate of Cheech. These employees are trying to help this young dog through a rehabilitation process - isn't that what the SPCA is supposed to be doing?

Sincerely,
Lana Simon
North Vancouver