Animal Advocates of B.C.
A COOPERATIVE OF ANIMAL-LOVERS AND ACTION-TAKERS

THE BC SPCA IN VICTORIA
Are you an ex-SPCA volunteer, or board member, who wasn't able to make any humane changes?  You can now - put your story in our web mag.  Reform will only happen when the public knows what you know...

Millie Sargent
Victoria, B.C.

June 8^th, 2000.

To: The Board of Directors, the Victoria SPCA

After several sleepless and gut wrenching nights, I’ve decided to come to you in hopes that there be some changes made at the Victoria S.P.C.A.

I have been a dog walker at the S.P.C.A for six months. I go everyday at ten o’clock in the morning and don’t leave 'til after one o’clock. I spend my time walking, training , grooming and loving the dogs. On the walks we meet a lot of people and see a lot of new things, turning them into great canine citizens. I put all my heart and soul into these dogs and I remember every life I’ve touched. I even give the unclaimed strays a name because it hurts to think of them as nobody’s. I was told by another dog walker that since my friend and I have been coming here the atmosphere was better and they don’t put as many dogs down.

After saying all of that you can imagine my horror when I came in one morning, and discovered that they had put a beautiful white Shepherd named "Harley" to sleep for barking. Rick West heard some dogs barking and came storming out of the office, saw Harley barking, and gave the order to have her put down . He never even knew her - all he knew was that when he walked around that corner she was barking.. Harley was a sweet adoptable spayed female, eight months old. She had a soft personality, was friendly with other dogs, loved to sniff and eager to please. I can still see that hopeful look in Harley’s eyes, that somebody would fall in love with her and take her home but now there is no chance of that, is there? I really don’t think that she deserved to die, it was a cruel and horrific thing to do.

Maybe they could have asked themselves, what can we do to make Harley less stressed? Maybe one of the staff could have taken her for a walk or taken her out of the cage and brought her into the office for awhile so that she wasn’t lonely. They also could have muzzled her because a muzzled dog can’t bark. If all of that failed they could have tried an electric barking collar - and if you think that is cruel, it sure beats the heck out of the alternative. Surely we’re a lot smarter than the dogs. Couldn’t we think of something smart to do with Harley?  I for one would put my name on a list of Foster Homes and if a dog was having a bad day I could come and take him or her to the park and beach for the day. I’m sure that’s a far better idea than killing them. But killing them is easier, so that’s what they do. Maybe they could have been kept inside the compound, then they won’t be disturbing the neighbors. If they can’t stand the barking, then maybe they should think about a different line of work, or move the shelter to a rural area where barking is not an issue. There, I’ve thought of five solutions in three days and they’ve had twenty years and look what they’ve come up with. How shameful!!

Any dog with half a brain can figure out the barking collar, so that means that all the dogs that have been put down for barking, were very smart. Honestly, if a barking dog is so much trouble then maybe they shouldn’t be taking dogs in.

I know that all the dogs cannot be saved and I realize that making a decision to put a dog down should be a difficult one. But the S.P.C.A. mandate says that a dog will only be put down if it is sick or aggressive or there’s not enough room. Well, these dogs were not sick and surely they weren’t aggressive and guess what? There were only two dogs on the adoption side, so there surely was room. So I am at a loss to understand why one person can make that decision, a decision so unfair. Surely, the decision should be made by a group of people that have actually had some dealings with the dogs. Everybody should be focused on the animals because that’s what they’re there for. I can only hope that there be a change, and a group of people make that judgment call.

The S.P.C.A. has a motto "We speak for those who can not speak for themselves" and God forbid that when they try to speak, we kill them.

I have to laugh when I hear them say they have orders from above, I always look to the sky and think I’m going to see God, but it is not God who is ordering these dogs down, it is just people like you and me.

These dogs do not belong to the S.P.C.A, they are merely a holding facility for the dogs before they can be placed with a family. So they should be treated with the love and dignity of a guest, wouldn’t you agree? I mean they’ve already had a bad start in life, they’ve already seen the bad side of humans, so now it’s up to us to show them the love and compassion that they deserve , to show them that we are different.

I feel so bad for the lives that could have been and so ashamed that I wasn’t able to help them. They came to the S.P.C.A. as their last chance and we have failed them miserably. I started coming to the S.P.C.A. with the idea that I would be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Once I send these letters I will no longer be able to do what I love to do and that’s to love these dogs. So please get back to me so that we can right these wrongs. There are so many incredibly disgusting things going on under that roof and to know that it’s been going on for years and others know about it makes it even more disgusting.

The S.P.C.A. sent out a brochure saying that dog walkers are not just volunteers but they are our heroes. Well, I for one do not feel like a hero. When Harley went down for barking, it sparked something inside of me that said this was wrong. If it isn’t wrong, then why do I feel so sick about it? I was going to walk away because the stress of it all was so great and the heartache so painful but if I don’t let you know what’s happening, this could continue for another twenty years.

"Actions speak louder than words" it is easy to say you care but these actions definitely show something different. I’m sure the when Harley was standing up barking she wasn’t saying "Kill me, Kill me" she was saying Love me, Want me", but nobody took the time and that’s what breaks my heart.

I was just reading the Annual Report and there were a couple of things about dogs and the rest was about money matters. It looked more like an investment portfolio than a folder on animals. If we are one of the richest S.P.C.A.s in B.C. why aren’t we doing wonderful things with the money. Like Foster Care program, education in the schools, follow up spay/neuter program, after adoption training sessions, grooming for the pups and cats, out door run so that the dogs can burn off some energy, a room set up like a living room for the nervous dogs that come in and why are we not on the internet with Adopt-A-Pet.

So please feel free to ask us about Blue, Sasha, Lily , Chief, Teddy, Jenny and the little shy border collie /shepherd, who was put down on Monday because she was nervous when there was prospective owner standing right there ready to take her.

Let’s face it, dogs bark - that’s a fact of life, but being put down for barking should not be a fact of life. I will not be going back to the Victoria S.P.C.A., to condone such unloving and uncaring practices. I will not be lending my heart, talent or money to an organization that doesn’t live up to it’s own standards. Proclaiming to love animals and letting this go on is absolutely disgusting.

So now you know everything I know. I used to be in love with the idea of the S.P.C.A., however, it seems that I have been sorrowfully mislead. My husband told me to stop crying and do something about it so this is my attempt to fix this problem.

Yours truly,

Millie Sargent

A SAD END TO A PUPPY ADOPTION

It had been a decade since they'd had a puppy, and the energy it takes to have one was harder to muster now that they were both 70. But one look a five month old Koeta convinced them to give it another try. Koeta, a lab cross, had already been impounded twice for running at large by the time Joan and Gordon Alston-Stewart spotted her three months ago at the Victoria SPCA. Her first owner didn't want her back, and the Alston-Stewarts took her home to their two-hectare spread in Saanich.  She was one of the smartest dogs in a long line the couple had owned over their lifetime, and even took to using a barrel full of flowers on the deck where she spent the night. Had it not been for those distracting deer grazing around the property, it just might have been a match made in heaven.

But Koeta couldn't leave the deer alone. She chased them tirelessly, and nothing her new owners tried had any effect. So two months after they brought her home, they made the tough decision to return her. They brought her back to the SPCA along with her vet records, a favourite toy, $100 for her food and a note pleading that she not be euthanized-if it came to that, they'd take her back.  They were even willing to come by regularly and walk her, but the SPCA told them that would only upset the dog.
 
They checked up on Koeta two weeks later, alive and well but not yet adopted. An SPCA official told Joan to relax; if a new owner wasn't found in Victoria, the dog could always be relocated to the Parksville shelter. Joan
reminded him that they were still willing to try again with the dog if need be.

Koeta never made it Parksville. She was euthanized July 28, five days after Joan Alston-Stewart checked up on her. The dog was killed after becoming "extremely stressed" and barking incessantly, the stunned couple
was told when they phoned the next week to see how she was doing. The $100 had gone into the donations fund.The SPCA felt badly-particularly the kennel master who got an enraged earful from the devastated Alston-Stewarts-but there was nothing more to be done. And wasn't it right there on the form the couple signed, that the SPCA never notifies people before a dog is put down?
 
The Alston-Stewarts feel betrayed and misled: "I want to warn people that when you go in the SPCA and drop off a dog, don't for one minute think that it's guaranteed to be adopted,"says Joan.  But SPCA executive director Lynn West say the couple knew the risks when they brought Koeta in, and should have looked for a new home themselves if they wanted to be sure she wouldn't be euthanized.

"It's a large dog that chased deer. That's not a dog that is adoptable."say West. "We had it here for 17 days, it's behaviour deteriorated in that time, and there was even a question as to whether it was housebroken. It's hard to believe anyone would want to adopt a dog like that."
 
West has heard rumours that her SPCA puts down dogs for barking, but says there's no substance to them: "We wouldn't have a dog in the shelter if we did that." Koeta's barking was different, the sign of a dog falling apart
from the stress of it all, she says. And adopting her out again would have meant saddling yet another owner with a problem dog.
 
Joan Alston-Stewart says if she'd known how it would go, she would have kept Koeta and paid a trainer to break the deer-chasing habit. West says the SPCA is up-front with everyone who surrenders an animal, including making it clear that the SPCA is the owner from that point on.

"People like to think they're going to be phoned before anything is done and will have the opportunity to save the dog. But we certainly can't take animals under those conditions." says West.
 
"If you want a new owner for your pet, then look for one yourself. This should be the last place people bring their animals"

Dear: Editor of the Times Colonist

After reading " A Sad End to a Puppy Adoption" in Jodi Paterson’s column, memories of my experiences with the Victoria SPCA came rushing back. The SPCA seems to have forgotten why they are there. They tell us that they only put dogs down that are sick, vicious or there’s not enough room. I’ve witnessed dogs going down for barking, being nervous, being untrained and sometimes just for things they might do. How absurd. God forbid they have a personality. Dogs bark, that’s a fact of life, but being killed because they bark should not be a fact of life. If barking dogs are such a nuisance then maybe they shouldn’t take dogs into the shelter and proclaim to be there for them. The SPCA is a holding facility for the dogs. They should be treated with the love and dignity of a guest. They’ve already had a bad start in life, they’ve already seen the bad side of humans so now it’s up to us to show them the love and compassion that they deserve.

The Victoria SPCA has 6 million dollars in assets and has no programs in ensure the well being of the animals in its care. If they had a Foster Care Program all of those dogs that didn’t do well in shelter conditions could have been placed in a home until they were adopted, they weren’t given a fair chance. If the SPCA isn’t there for these dogs in the saddest part of their lives, who is?

 Yours truly

Millie Sargent
Victoria, B.C.

P.S.If you’d like to read all of our correspondence to the SPCA for your own personal interest, please contact me, I’d love to share them with you.

Three months later, the board responded.

Judy, how can she say that none of these dogs were euthanized in haste when she wasn't even there?

Lynn West has been executive director for 25 years and finally they think it's a good idea to have a person with a background in animal behaviour and health?   I can't believe these people! I've written two more letter to the Board and Lynn West I'm waiting for a response.
Cheers,
Millie

To the Board of Directors of the Victoria S.P.C.A.:

Two years ago the S.P.C.A. was publicly criticized for attempting to euthanize two dogs for barking. The employee who attempted to thwart the euthanization was consequently fired. At that time Lynn West stated in a response to the allegations that she wished it had been handled internally. Well, with fair warning, you have the chance to avoid another public spectacle. I hope you are willing and able to act this time around.

I have a long history with your organization elsewhere in the province and I fully understand there are limitations to the services you can provide. I also understand that euthanasia is a fact of life, and I think, is often the kindest way to deal with those animals that have suffered enough in their lifetime. I am fully prepared to face the harsh realities that exist in shelters. With that in mind, never did I believe that my experiences with the Victoria S.P.C.A. would leave me sickened, indeed frightened for the welfare of the animals placed in its care!

Repeatedly, I have seen dog after dog euthanized solely for barking. I knew these dogs, I worked with them and I trained them. I know that without a doubt these dogs were kind, beautiful, good with other dogs and were generally wonderful candidates for adoption. I also know that most of the dogs, to their detriment, were smart enough to figure out how to deactivate their citronella collars and to become bored sitting day after day in a wire cage. Many were in the shelter only a few days during the week; some for only a few hours or (horribly) a few minutes. They simply did not have a chance. Too many times I went home sick to my stomach, afraid for their safety, only to return the next morning to an empty kennel.

The Victoria S.P.C.A. has openly stated it’s "no barking" policy and has not tried to hide its actions from the few volunteers left there. I think we can work a bit harder to solve this problem before another dog has to die. This shelter has millions of dollars stashed away in its bank accounts and we cannot keep the dogs quiet? What about using electronic collars? Only one or two would be necessary and they could be restricted to only the most severe cases. If you are going to suggest that they are cruel, please remember the alternative…. Am I correct to believe that a shelter with so much money cannot afford a few treat cubes to keep the dogs occupied? Why not simply close the loud dogs inside? All of these alternatives are quick, easy, cheap and humane. With a minimum amount of support from within, we could organize a proper dog-walking program and encourage new volunteers to walk the dogs several times a day. We may even win back all those volunteers who have walked away in disgust. Often a good long walk is enough to settle a frustrated canine. It seems terribly unjust that with so much income there remains a complete and utter lack of initiative! What kind of humane shelter, a charitable organization, would be proud of turning a profit, when it is not fulfilling even the most basic needs within the community? How many of those kind, caring souls who surrender their hard-earned dollars, their life savings, would be appalled to hear that such a glaring lack of compassion exists with the walls of the Victoria S.P.C.A.?

I have seen inspectors pull cowering dogs out of kennels without even looking at them. They did not call the dogs or encourage them in any way. They did not even know the names of those who had been at the shelter for months! I watched as an inspector pulled a still living, injured bird from his van by the ends of it’s wings and carried it away, twisting and dangling, without a thought. Please know that I am including only a few of the things I have personally seen there. I have heard horror story after horror story from people from all walks of life in the community who are disgusted by what they have witnessed. In fact, I have yet to hear anything positive, and believe me, I have listened! So many times, people in other welfare organizations have told me that it is "common knowledge" that the Victoria S.P.C.A. is the worst place for a dog to end up! Disgusting!!!

I think you would agree that such a large group of dissenting animal lovers is a dangerous thing in a community once they get organized. It is therefore my suggestion that we ask some serious questions about the role of the S.P.C.A. in preventing abuse of animals both within the community and within its own walls. Why isn’t an after-care program in effect? Why don’t we offer free dog training courses? Why can’t we follow-up adoptions to ensure the animals are spayed or neutered? I have met several dogs after they were adopted- only to be informed by the new owners that they have decided to breed their dog "just one time". At the very least, why can’t the staff be properly informed about dogs’ breeds, names and personalities?

Finally, if not for the welfare of the animals, then some drastic changes need to be made for the sake of the staff. I know they are afraid to speak to us, that they are constantly spied upon, and that they too, are disgusted by what they see. What does it tell you when staff members are trying to find ways to remove animals from the shelter to save them from unkind treatment? There is a general atmosphere of fear and distrust all around the S.P.C.A. and this needs to change. If you, the Directors are unable to address this issue, I am sure the union would like a chance. I hope that this time, you will take very seriously the issues I have raised. We need change. We need new direction. I love the S.P.C.A. and I hope you can see as I do, that there is a wonderful opportunity at hand to make your S.P.C.A. the most successful animal rescue organization in British Columbia!

Yours truly,

 Lynne Pritchard

AAS comment:  all the above has been told to us about most SPCA's in BC, particularly the Vancouver Regional SPCA with it's 10 facilities (which it mis-calls "shelters") and its 18 pound contracts.   Remember - every SPCA in BC is a branch of the BC SPCA and it ultimately controls the policy of all its branches and its employees.

We will soon have statements made to the media at that time, so stay tuned.  Jennifer saw things like staff pulling crying puppies by their ears and tails to the gas-box.  The gas-box burns lungs.   Jennifer's story, in conjunction with the story of Vancouver SPCA employee, Bob Gordon, who shot a friendly sea lion and was not only not fired, but has been promoted (They shoot animals) perfectly illustrates our contention that the SPCA is not here for animals. We have much proof: What's wrong with the SPCA?

Monday Magazine Issue 40 Vol 27, October 4- 10, 2001

Ex-employee puts down SPCA’s policies

A former employee of the Victoria Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that the organization is far from being a humane society, and is doing something she hopes will change that.

Jennifer Forrester, who worked as a receptionist at the society in 1998, is spearheading a petition to oust the society’s 16-person board of directors, which was elected last March. She hopes that getting rid of the board will also hasten the departure of long-time executive director Lynn West, who has been criticized by SPCA members for unnecessarily euthanizing stray dogs and cats. Forrester says many of the present board members were nominated by West, and are therefore too closely connected to the long-time executive director.

“I’ve seen animals put in the gas box for no reason,” says Forrester. “And it’s because Lynn West said to send them there. People don’t want to bring their [pets] to the SPCA because they’re worried they will be killed. Things like that are happening too often at the SPCA. We no longer have a humane society, but an inhumane society that kills too many animals.”

An SPCA member who backs the petition, but wants to remain anonymous, says of West, “It seems the board works for her, she doesn’t work for the board.”

Anyone who pays a membership fee of $5 or more can have voting rights at the SPCA’s annual general meeting. As an employee of the society, West cannot vote.

But West says the petition and accusations have stemmed from a small group of members and “a disgruntled ex-employee” who have made no effort to address the issues directly with her.

“The board is made of professionals,” says West. “To say that I control a group of 16 professionals is ridiculous. I have a job, the [board] sets policies, I carry out the policies they set. A lot of these attacks are just personal and malicious. The worst I’ve heard is that I have animals killed when I’m in a bad mood.”

West says animals are put down when they’re unhealthy, or have personality issues such as aggression.

The Victoria SPCA has been under fire the last few years. Forrester has gone public with her stories of animals being unnecessarily put down. Local resident Millie Sargent has also criticized the society’s hasty euthanasia policy—only to be sued by the society. (AAS - the BC SPCA decided not to sue Millie.)   Last month, the provincial SPCA held public meetings throughout the province. At the Victoria meeting, on September 12, participants expressed concerns that the SPCA was not effectively communicating with its members.

Following that meeting, Forrester’s petition was signed by 65 SPCA members and hand delivered to Terry Prentice, board of directors chair, on September 17. But the board rejected the petition, saying it did not meet with the SPCA’s bylaw requirements.

Prentice says if the petition is redone according to the bylaw, the board will look at it again, but “the board does not have to call a general meeting [to elect new directors] because of a petition.”

Forrester says she will redo the petition, and if that doesn’t work, the group may go to a judge seeking an injunction against the SPCA board.

“We don’t want them to make any more decisions regarding those animals,” Forrester says.

—Anh Hoang

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