B.C.S.P.C.A.
PO Box 3624
Stn Terminal,
Vancouver, B.C.,
V6B 3Y6

August 23, 2001

To Whom it May Concern:

I am writing this letter as a past, note past, supporter of the S.P.C.A. in B.C.

The very name “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” has, in my opinion, become a misnomer.

It would appear that the S.P.C.A. is no longer a ‘society’ dedicated to the prevention and alleviation of cruelty to and suffering of animals, but one more bureaucracy. Administrators are paid salaries well above the norm, and out of the nickels and dimes of animal loving children, fund raising groups, walkathons, and persons like myself who do not ever expect to make such humungous salaries, but who will make our pitiful little donations mistakenly believing that we will make a difference to the animals.

We have an Animal Welfare act in B.C.named the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act!

Why then, can we not have the puppy mills closed down?

Why can we not work with spay and neuter groups?

Why are we allowing puppies, kittens and rabbits to be kept in, and sold from pet store cages?

 The Surrey S.P.C.A is on 152 St.

There is also a blatant puppy mill on 152^nd St. Right on the same street as the S.P.C.A.!

Regular signs appear: “Small, Medium, and Large Puppies for Sale”. This is an accredited breeder?

 Across the street, Colebrook Road has the same thing only these puppies are much more exotic! They’re Wolf-X puppies. Another accredited breeder? The conditions on this property are not fit for human habitation, much less helpless animals caged to reproduce for their ‘breeder’s financial gain’.

AAS comment:  some SPCA's have an "unofficial" policy of killing wolf hybrids that come to their pounds. See also the Vancouver SPCA ex-director of pounds saying he would shoot a wolf-hybrid in Surrey, click here

 I have two dogs and 1 cat. My cat and 1 dog are ‘rescue’ animals. I cannot rescue another however, as I can only have 2 dogs in Surrey. This is enforced. Perhaps if I apply for a kennel license, I can rescue some of the results of the puppy mills, but no, alas I shall not, as that would just create a market for them wouldn’t it?

 Would my donation to my S.P.C.A. actually reach the animals in need? More than likely it would just line the pocket of another bureaucrat. What choices do I have?

 I believe it is time that:

• The S.P.C.A. became accountable financially.

• The S.P.C.A. became accountable for conditions under which animals are ‘bred’ for profit.

• The S.P.C.A. screened their employees as to their attitudes and aptitudes for dealing with animals.

• The S.P.C.A. responded to concerned citizens reporting conditions of animal cruelty.

• The S.P.C.A. actually enforced laws regarding animal cruelty.

• The S.P.C.A. worked with schools and volunteer groups to support the spaying and neutering of pets kept by anyone other than fully accredited and CKC affiliated breeders.

• The S.P.C.A. worked to ban the selling of live animals, often the products of animal mills, in pet stores.

• The S.P.C.A. worked with educating the public on the fate of so many of the animals resulting from indiscriminate breeding, and lack of affordable spay and neuter programmes.

(This just might educate some of the people who claim they want their children to experience the ‘miracle of birth’. Perhaps they should allow these same children to experience the ‘miracle of death’ as these animals are put down.)

 It is my understanding that the S.P.C.A. does want to hear from former supporters, and disillusioned persons such as myself.

 Now you have heard from me.

 Sincerely,

 Adrienne Hammond

 Surrey, B.C.