To the BC SPCA Board of Directors:
I am writing a letter to all of you to let you know that there certainly must be some inconsistencies within the BCSPCA for one of the local SPCA's to deem a dog, who has never bitten, a dog that has to be put to sleep. Then, on the other hand, other SPCAs who turn around and release 2 individual dogs to the same rescue group, who are known biters.
The 2 dogs I refer to are both American Cocker Spaniels released to our organization. Both dogs were assessed as "Orange Zone" by the SPCA "CAMP" assessment tool. One came to us from the Burnaby SPCA and the other came to us from the Chilliwack SPCA. The dog from Chilliwack actually BIT the person assessing him, TWICE, yet he was still released to us.
We are most thankful that they were BOTH released to us as we have the breed knowledge and the volunteers with the time and experience to deal with these dogs. Both dogs are continuing to improve. The dog from the Burnaby SPCA was assessed by Dr Roger Mugford, who didn't know what to make of him, then he went to stay with a behaviourist for a week who was able to help us understand his problems and continue to work with him. He has since found his forever home and is continuing to improve.
The Chilliwack dog is still in foster care and he is getting the socialization and manners training that he needs with experienced people. This dog, is only a puppy, like Cheech.
The point I'm trying to make is twofold:
A. The SPCA is inconsistent in placing dogs that are deemed "dangerous", where one SPCA will euthanize, another will place with a rescue.
B. These types of dogs should be allowed to be fostered by experienced rescue workers committed to the long term in rehabilitating them.
There are many many of us out there who are willing to do the work to prevent a potentially nice dog from being needlessly put to sleep.
I want the media to be aware that there is something wrong somewhere within the SPCA for a valued employee, with no criminal record, to "steal" a dog to protect it from a Society who claims to speak for those who can' speak for themselves.
Carol Jackson RN
CSRBC Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of BC
http://www.csrbc.org