May 27, 2002

Dear Mr. Brimacombe,
I sent you, Mr. van der Hoeven and Mr. Green an e-mail describing problems and asking when remedy could be expected. I know that others, besides myself, have written to you regarding cases of inadequate housing or care . These problems go to the heart of the SPCA's reason for existence. I don't want to take up your time, I recognize that you have an extremely difficult job. But the lack of acknowledgement and the persistence of the problems lead inevitably to the conclusion that the SPCA sees nothing wrong with the situations complained about.

If the SPCA is concerned about alleviating animals' misery, would you please respond, or delegate someone to let me know when the shelters will be more ‘animal-friendly'. The solution doesn't need to be costly or complicated; the needs are immediate, and minor facility upgrades with some procedural changes could go a long way to solving some problems. For example, retrofit cages with water bowl holders.

If the SPCA executive really cares, I would be grateful and relieved, as I know would others, if you would be so kind as to respond with a brief note about remedial action. I am, like others who have written to you, an animal lover who has contributed much to the SPCA I believed in and who deserves a response. I believe in the SPCA's mission of speaking for those who can't speak for themselves. If this truly is the guiding precept of the SPCA then surely I can look forward to a reply at your earliest convenience.

Thank you,
Brigitta MacMillan