Saturday, 24 January 2004, at 8:41 p.m.
In
Response To:
"Decades of hard-hitting humane education messages"? The gall is
staggering! *LINK* *PIC* (AAS)
From: connie mahoney
To: csoules@spca.bc.ca
Cc: cnaherniak@spca.bc.ca
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2002 9:00 AM
Subject: SPCA exploitation
re: Springvalley Middle School Career Day
It was so very disappointing to see the Kelowna SPCA's educational
presentation at the above school on March 8, 2002.
The presentation consisted of: a rabbit in a cage, a kitten in a
cage, and three fund raising items (an SPCA Calendar, an old
newsletter and a form requesting Zellers and Canadian Tire points
and please donate to us).
The table displaying the "cute" animals was continuously mobbed by
dozens of students anxious to see the animals, sticking fingers
into their cages. This caused great stress to the animals. In
particular the rabbit was screaming (a high pitched sound) in
distress with no relief from the unwanted attention for over an
hour and a half.
Not only was a wonderful opportunity missed to teach these
students anything meaningful about animals, but it was an obvious
exploitation of their "cuteness" just to further the SPCA's image.
There was absolutely no educational material, nothing dealing with
spay/neuter and unwanted animals. This bunny and kitten were a
direct result of pet over-population and ultimately most of them
are euthanized by the SPCA's and again, no mention of this. The
presentation was irresponsible and thoughtless. It was actually
demeaning to the many students who are so eager to learn about
animal issues and humane education, which should include ALL
animals. Knowing that the Kelowna SPCA actually has paid full time
staff to present humane education in the schools actually makes
this worse. They commented that the large turnout at their table
made them so popular, and they felt their presentation was
therefore successful.
The SPCA is supposed to be raising the bar to improve their
standards. I've never seen the bar so low!!
Could you please let me know if the SPCA has a policy on
exhibiting animals in public (a very stressful situation for the
animals). The time has come to stop treating these animals as
merchandise to be peddled. Secondly, are there any standards
relating to humane education presentations? I would appreciate
your response.
Sincerely,
Connie Mahoney.
Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC*
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date:
Friday, 12 March 2004, at 6:23 a.m.
In mid-February of this year approximately 20 rabbits came into
the possession of the Vancouver SPCA. They had been kept cramped
together outdoors in tiny wire cages, with minimal human contact,
so they were skittish and fearful of being handled. This problem
began when two rabbits were purchased from a pet store with no
understanding of basic requirements of care involved. Shortly
thereafter, the two began reproducing, and within a year the
result was several litters of unwanted rabbits. One was taken to
the SPCA hospital in Vancouver for observation and the others were
examined by a rabbit volunteer because of their poor condition.
Some had runny noses, others had open sores on their feet, and all
were undernourished.
The Vancouver SPCA already had in excess of 20 adult rabbits
awaiting homes, but managed to get 5 of the worst new arrivals to
an SPCA volunteer experienced in rabbit care, and then began
spaying and neutering the rest, starting with the healthiest ones.
Since then some of the existing rabbits at the facility have found
permanent homes and others have gone into foster care.
However, this branch is still overcrowded, and a new policy has
set the maximum allowable number of rabbits at 15. More foster
homes are urgently required. Nobody wants to see any killed, but
what does one do with an overburdened system? Should the SPCA
refuse to take owner surrendered pets and only deal with strays
and seized animals? Should those that need too much medical care,
are too old, psychologically damaged, or otherwise deemed
unmarketable be automatically killed? What are the determining
factors for those who live and those who die?
Unfortunately, as long as people have pets there will be problems,
but far more effort has to be given to address core issues. The
supply of unwanted animals far exceeds demand, resulting in
misery, suffering, and death of too many innocent lives.
Should the SPCA have prosecuted this person and set an example
that this is intolerable, and used the Prevention of Cruelty Act?
Rabbits are allowed to suffer conditions that if a cat or dog was
subjected to, would result in public outrage and cruelty charges
being laid by the SPCA. But there is a different standard for
rabbits - perhaps because there is not a vocal lobby group to
speak for them as there is for dogs and cats.
http://animaladvocates.com/rabbit-rescue.htm
A not-so-lucky rabbit's feet *PIC*
Posted By: AAS
Date:
Friday, 12 March 2004, at 11:52 p.m.
In Response To:
Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC*
(Carmina Gooch)
One of the rabbits surrendered to the Vancouver SPCA. They
suffered like this for a long time, forced to live on wire because
it is easy to keep clean. This is not only clearly cruelty, but it
is torture.
Forced to Live on Wire
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date:
Sunday, 14 March 2004, at 6:13 a.m.
In Response To:
Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC*
(Carmina Gooch)
Confined to a cage, movement restricted to an unnatural wire mesh
is guaranteed to lead to unsanitary conditions and health
problems. Clearly, this rabbit and his litter mates were in a
horrendous situation.
Unable to keep the urine from their body, it soaks into their fur,
and onto the skin. The skin becomes inflamed and the fur falls
out. Moisture-damaged skin is easily cracked and at this stage
infections and abscesses often occur. It would be impossible for
this rabbit to stand on such raw feet, without being in agony.
This is cruelty.
Carmina Gooch,
North Vancouver
Only three rabbits will be permitted on the floor for adoption at
the Surrey SPCA
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date:
Wednesday, 17 March 2004, at 7:25 p.m.
In Response To:
Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC*
(Carmina Gooch)
There have been a number of revisions within the BC SPCA and one
recent decision is that only three rabbits will be permitted on
the floor for adoption at the Surrey SPCA. The Surrey SPCA's
Animal Learning Centre, which formerly brought rabbits to their
building in order to alleviate the overcrowding in the SPCA
building and to find new homes for its rabbits, is not allowed to
do so any longer. Staff have been told to spend more time going
into the community doing education.
Surrey has a huge problem with unwanted animals and unless those
individuals concerned about rabbits, and rabbit rescue groups take
them, the excess will be killed. Already, those who have assisted
are barely coping with the ones presently in need of permanent
homes, and the foster network is struggling to accommodate all the
needy. This continual shuffling of unwanted pets, while providing
interim relief, typifies the SPCA's revolving door system where
nothing changes.
Carmina Gooch
North Vancouver
Many people purchase a rabbit from a breeder or pet store as a
"starter pet" for children
Posted By: Terry Roberge
Date:
Friday, 12 March 2004, at 11:47 p.m.
In Response To:
This kind of education gives kids the message that imprisoning
animals is okay (AAS)
Many people purchase a rabbit from a breeder or pet store as a
"starter pet" for children. Because one can easily buy a cute
looking baby for under forty dollars, it is commonly perceived as
easy to care for and a learning tool, especially when told by the
vendor that rabbits are quite happy sitting in cage and basically
just need to be fed. Obviously this is not the case, and once the
realities of having a rabbit become tedious and tiresome, it is
deemed disposable.
A great many end up in pounds, shelters, or are simply released to
fend for themselves. Others are forced to exist in increasingly
deteriorating situations, the neglect appalling, the misery
heartbreaking, but nobody is there to alleviate it. They suffer in
silence. They have no voice, they have no choice. That's their
fate.
Terry Roberge
North Vancouver
This kind of education gives kids the message that imprisoning
animals is okay
Posted By: AAS
Date:
Friday, 12 March 2004, at 2:43 p.m.
In Response To:
The Animal Learning Centre is part of the Surrey SPCA (Carmina
Gooch)
Sterilizing rabbits before being sold to someone is an improvement
over selling them to breed until the owner is overwhelmed and
kills them all, as the SPCA used to.
Although ultimately this kind of education gives kids the message
that imprisoning animals for our sakes, for our amusement or some
other purpose is okay. But most of them will spend their lonely
lives in a tiny hutch, almost forgotten at the bottom of the yard.
Some will be taken out occasionally to hop around on real grass,
and then will be put back in the hutch when that pales, but many
will not even get that respite from the cruelty of their lives.
Rabbits make poor pets, but their needs are easily forgotten as
they are truly silent.
Rabbit producers use archaic methods and BC SPCA "education" is
archaic too
Posted By: Carol Sonnex
Date:
Sunday, 14 March 2004, at 4:44 p.m.
In Response To:
Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC*
(Carmina Gooch)
The Pet Producing Industry is both archaic and cruel. I am sure
others can think of other terms to add but none will be
complimentary I am sure. After reading the posts on AAS I am
ashamed at how complacent I have been. I have walked through pet
stores, passed by the cages of guinea pigs and rabbits and because
of conditioning not even reacted. My children do the same.
Unfortunately, education of how to maintain small animals by
societies like the BC SPCA is also archaic. Small animals should
not be being bred and kept in small cages and the Charter of the
BC SPCA includes these small animals. The much touted five
freedoms should also be extended to these "pocket pets".
From the BC SPCA Charter:
"We pledge our energies to inspire and mobilize society to create
a world in which all animals, who depend on humans for their
well-being, experience, as a minimum, five essential freedoms:
freedom from hunger and thirst
freedom from pain, injury, and disease
freedom from distress
freedom from discomfort
freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being. "
My family's acceptance of these conditions for small animals has
changed after asking my son to look up Rabbit Breeders of British
Columbia on the internet and he found :
http://www.tsukiyo.org/BreederDir/State/britishcolumbia.html
Reading through many of the sites was extremely upsetting but one
that caught my son's eye had the following to say:
"My rabbitry consists of 45 hanging cages. Eight doe cages, 12
show stock/buck cages, and 25 grower cages.
The doe, show stock, and buck cages are in the main barn. I also
keep the feed in the main barn for easy access. The walls are hung
with plastic behind the cages to keep the urine off the walls. I
find one major cleaning once a year works well, and more than that
isn't needed.
The grower cages are outside along the barn and are about 13 " by
24". I have found this size and shape cage helps my to achieve a
well conditioned young rabbit. The cages are on automatic
watering, and the rabbits go here from the time they are weaned
until they are 4 months. At four months I go through and pick out
a maximum of 5 rabbits to keep, the rest we butcher. This has
worked very well for me and my rabbits have improved quickly.
Selling rabbit meat pays for my rabbitry and gives me some
spending money as well.
I have manure pits under all the cages and I frequently dig the
manure out to prevent wetness, flies, and smell. For fly control I
also have a bug zapper in the main barn. Weather here is very mild
year-round. The barn has vents along the top of two walls, and
dutch doors to help with air movement in the summer. Shade cloth
is stapled over the windows. In the winter the body heat from the
rabbits keeps the water above freezing inside the main barn. "
"The body heat of the rabbits keeps the water above freezing
inside the main barn" is the quote that made my children both
gasp. They were horrified that somone would be proud of this fact
and put it on the internet. I must thank all of those featured on
the Rabbit Breeders of British Columbia Website. My childrenand I
are complacent no longer.
Exotic Pet Store in Kamloops Shuts Down: Kamloops SPCA Manager
Jennifer Gore Admits That SPCA Knew of Conditions But Did Nothing
Posted By: Jennifer Dickson <eight-dogs-later@shaw.ca>
Date:
Thursday, 1 April 2004, at 10:22 p.m.
Jungle Pet, an exotic pet store in Kamloops that was well known to
Kamloops SPCA, closed its doors last week when new ownership made
a gruesome discovery.
From the Kamloops This Week, March 15, 2004, quoting Tara Donovan,
new owner of Jungle Pet:
"The conditions of the animals were deplorabe, leading us to
wonder what had happened to allow such severe neglect"..."snakes,
lizards, and frogs in a fridge, three deceased rabbits in a pen at
the back of the store and one kitten frozen in a freezer"..."Over
the week that we operated the business, we found more than two
dozen deceased animals, including snakes, lizards, and one
kitten."
Kamloops SPCA Manager Jennifer Gore admits that the SPCA had known
of the atrocities at Jungle Pet, yet had done nothing:
"Jennifer Gore, branch mangaer of the SPCA, said the Society had
complaints from the public about the care of the animals".
The article goes on to reiterate that "The SPCA...under the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, has the legal right to close
businesses that fail to comply with the Act. In this case however,
the SPCA didn't order the closure."
How many more bodies have to be exumed before the SPCA comes clean
about its failure to "speak for those who cannot speak for
themselves"? In only the past few months we have had dogs frozen
to death on chains, poor dead starved horses, and now rabbits dead
in their cages, dead reptiles in fridges, and a dead kitten in a
freezer. And the SPCA had been made FULLY aware of EVERY single
one of these counts of neglect and cruelty, for months, and even
years, in advance.
The SPCA boasts of investigating over 10,000 cruelty complaints
last year. Those of us in the trenches know that an
"investigation" consists of taking a complainant's name and
number, and in the odd case, even doing a drive-by look. Nothing
ever happens. The SPCA hand picks a few ripe cases that it thinks
it can grandstand for donations via the media with, and reaps the
monetary benefits, while often killing the seized.
If the SPCA wants to continue on in this dishonest manner and keep
making money at it, it ought to at least instruct its witless
spokespeople to shut up about the neglect it has known of and
allowed to happen, even after the bodies are produced.
Dishonest SPCA, its lies made weak by witless staff...all would be
worthy of pity were it not for the suffering and death it permits
and capitalizes from.
Story:
"Law of the Jungle Failed"
A pet-shuffling bus will reduce the pet-overpopulation problem?
Who are Craig Daniell's handlers? They need to be fired.
Posted By: AAS
Date:
Thursday, 3 June 2004, at 12:21 p.m.
At the BC SPCA's AGM on May 29th, CEO Craig Daniell said that
shuffling hapless animals from one facility to another would
somehow reduce the pet-overpopulation problem. Who are this man's
handlers? They need to be fired.
The BC SPCA has entered into an agreement with the biggest seller
of animals in BC, Petcetera. Petcetera will supply "pet shuffle
buses" to move excess animals between SPCA facilities in an
attempt by the SPCA to kill fewer by selling more (instead of
spending its own money on community spay neuter and laws to
regulate breeding and selling). Petcetera sells many types of
exotics such as reptiles and amphibians, it sells caged birds, it
sells rabbits and other caged rodents. The SPCA publicly claims to
disapprove of the keeping of exotics, but Petcetera is providing
the buses, so why look a gift horse in the mouth?
What does Petcetera get out of this deal? It gets the BC SPCA's
stamp of approval and that is wonderful for its business, the
business of selling exotics and other caged animals, most of which
live and die miserably. It also makes it impossible for the SPCA
to actually ask for legislation to prevent the selling of exotics,
as it has said it will.
In what way does shuffling pets around reduce pet overpopulation?
Does Mr Daniell think we all just fell off the turnip truck? This
is a crass business deal tarted up to look like a solution to the
overriding problem of so many pets that the SPCA kills many
thousands a year.
Judge lets Bunny Killer Off with scolding
Posted By: Carol Sonnex
Date:
Thursday, 23 September 2004, at 6:30 a.m.
Judge lets bunny killer off with scolding
Paul Walton
CanWest News Service
Thursday, September 23, 2004
NANAIMO -- An 18-year-old man who, in a drunken rage, punched a
rabbit at the University of Victoria, has been spared a criminal
record.
Nicholas Campbell, now a second-year student at UVic, pleaded
guilty in Nanaimo provincial court Wednesday to causing
unnecessary cruelty to an animal in the Feb. 6 incident. He was
given an absolute discharge.
"After drinking too much . . . Mr. Campbell and another young man
came up with the idea of catching a rabbit in a blanket," said
defence lawyer Ron Lamperson. The bunny bit Campbell as it was
caught, and Campbell punched it.
Crown counsel Ron Parsons said the incident came to light when a
student crossing the campus about 11:30 p.m. saw Campbell punch
the animal.
A veterinarian tried to save the rabbit, but it died. An SPCA
spokesman said at the time the charge was laid that the rabbit was
pregnant.
The Crown and defence agreed an absolute discharge was appropriate
for Campbell, a young man with an ambition to be a lawyer.
Lamperson said "humiliating" publicity about the charge and
remorse shown by Campbell should result in the discharge.
Parsons said that had the punch immediately killed the rabbit,
there would have been no charge. The law on animal cruelty cites
"unnecessary suffering" as the required element.
A pre-sentence report referred to by Parsons and Lamperson
concluded that Campbell has no violent tendencies.
Judge Leo Nimsick agreed to the absolute discharge, but scolded
Campbell. "It may have seemed innocent at the time, but the rabbit
did what rabbits will do," said Nimsick. "What goes around comes
around, and I think you've paid for your actions."
Campbell, accompanied to court by his parents and grandparents,
said nothing during the hearing. The case was heard in Nanaimo as
it was more convenient for Campbell, whose lawyer is from that
city.
This rabbit was the victim of not one, but two crimes
Posted By: Sue Collard
Date: Thursday, 23 September 2004, at 9:39 p.m.
In
Response To:
Judge lets Bunny Killer Off with scolding (Carol Sonnex)
I
can't help but wonder at the logic that suggests "humiliation" is
sufficient cause for granting an absolute discharge in an animal
cruelty case.
This young man presumably chose to get drunk and then chose to
punch an innocent animal in retribution for a bite. The fact the
rabbit was probably terrorized by being chased down and was
reacting in self-defense obviously did not cross his mind. Neither
does it seem to have registered much on the horizon of the legal
system.
Once again, we see the need for a strengthening and clarification
of the provisions of the Criminal Code regarding animal cruelty.
And once again we see the apparent disregard some U. Vic students
have toward rabbits, evidently the animal group that is seen as
the victim of choice for those desiring a little blood with their
education.
What saddens me most is the fact there is a strong probability
that this was a dumped former pet whose owners were callous or ill
educated enough to not get their pet suitably spayed or neutered
and who then threw it out when it became inconvenient. This rabbit
was the victim of not one, but two crimes: dumping, and animal
cruelty. And in both instances no-one has truly been held
accountable.
Sue Collard
Drunken teens beat two rabbits to death
Posted By: Manon Keij
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2005, at 4:02 p.m.
Friday, February 25/05
Temperature: 2°C Drunken teens beat two rabbits to death and a
Kelowna
animal rights group is hoping you
can help track down the suspects.
Rabbits Beaten To Death
A local animal rights group is hoping you can help track down
those
responsible for the senseless killings of defenceless animals.
Two wild rabbits were bludgeoned to death on January 30/05 in a
field off
Hunter Court near Leckie Road in Kelowna.
According to Sinikka Crosland of Tracs (The Responsible Animal
Care
Society), a woman says she approached two youths armed with a
baseball bat
who said they were trying to catch some of the rabbits that roam
freely in
the area.
Crosland says the teens had been drinking liquor and became
abusive toward
the woman, who wisely left the area. But the woman came back the
next day
and found two dead rabbits. The dead animals were turned over to a
vet who
confirmed the animals had been beaten to death.
Description of the suspects:
Male: about 5'6", slight to average build, light to medium brown
short hair,
not wearing glasses, clear, fair skin, age about 16 perhaps
younger.
Female: about 5'2 or 3", slight, hair light brown or blonde, not
wearing
glasses, clear complexion, pretty, age about 14 or 15.
Crosland has contacted the police and is asking anyone who may
know
something about the attacks to also call the RCMP.
Posted: February 25 / 3:26 pm
Story# 7378 / KH Related Link: TRACS
<http://www.tracs-bc.ca/fur_industry.php>
Nothing, absolutely nothing, makes this kind of a crime acceptable
Posted By: Manon Keij
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2005, at 4:04 p.m.
In
Response To:
Drunken teens beat two rabbits to death (Manon Keij)
Dear Editor,
While I have recently moved from Kelowna to Vancouver, I am still
interested
in news in and around my 'hometown'.
I was appalled to read about the January 30 bludgeoning death of
some of the
wild rabbits that have lived in the Leckie Road/Hunter Court area.
Living in Dilworth, I often spotted and enjoyed the wild rabbit
population
in the adjoining area.
The fact that a woman from the area saw two teenagers with a
baseball bat
who were allegedly trying to 'catch rabbits' only confirms to me
that our
society is too soft on crime. Way too soft.
If teenagers think for one moment that they can get away with even
thinking
of such a heinous, cowardly crime, there is something very wrong
with the
message we give them about what's right and wrong and the courts
usually
confirm this by their silly little sentences.
Teenagers talk to one another, so it is highly possible that these
teens
talked about their disgusting killing to one or some of their
friends.
How come no teenager has come forward to tell the police??
Where are those teenagers that do NOT think killing animals is
cool????
ANYONE who knows about these youths' unspeakable crime, should
come forward
or they are just as disgusting as the killers.
It takes a lot of despicable guts to beat some defenseless rabbits
to death
and yet, I already know that if and when these teens are caught,
the
almighty justice system will forgive and forget, as always.
A wrist on their murderous little hands, maybe some community
service and
perhaps even a pitifully short probation term is all they would
get...
And yet, once again, in this case punishment should fit the crime
no matter
whether they are young, have been drinking or have some emotional
problems.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, makes this kind of a crime acceptable
and it is
about time that judges wake up from their continuing slumber in
the courts
and punish the very worst among us: those who enjoy killing for no
reason at
all.
A
society where crimes such as these are soon to be forgotten, is a
very
poor society indeed!
Manon Keij
"By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic
delight..."
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2005, at 8:13 p.m.
In
Response To:
Nothing, absolutely nothing, makes this kind of a crime acceptable
(Manon Keij)
This is truly a horrific, senseless, and cowardly act perpetrated
upon the defenseless. And sadly, in our society there will be no
justice for these innocent victims.
“Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is -
whether its victim is human or animal – we cannot expect things to
be much better in this world…We cannot have peace among men whose
hearts delight in killing any living creature. By every act that
glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set
back the progress of humanity.” Rachel Carson
http://www.all-creatures.org/anex/rabbit.html
Carmina Gooch
should we really be so surprised? *LINK*
Posted By: Kim Brower <quinbrow@smartt.com>
Date: Friday, 11 March 2005, at 12:02 p.m.
In
Response To:
Drunken teens beat two rabbits to death (Manon Keij)
It is disgusting and disturbing that these rabbits were beaten to
death. But is this so different than the way that most animals are
treated in our world?
Rabbits are born crowded in tiny cages and slaughtered for meat,
for fur or sold to the pet trade. Chickens, pigs, cows, sheep;
they are all treated horribly and slaughtered for the products
they produce. Seals are bashed over the head in view of their
families, wild animals cruelly trapped for their fur; the list
goes on and on.
Should we really be so shocked that people think it sporting to
smash the life out of rabbits?
Will the SPCA "educate" Petcetera?
Posted By: Lori Cumiskey
Date: Friday, 11 March 2005, at 3:00 p.m.
In
Response To:
Is this a case of "do as we say, but not as we do"? (Emma
Vandewetering)
I
wonder too... I went into Petcetera recently and saw them selling
caged pets with a sign that said, 'we won't sell animals of
different sexes so as to not encourage breeding'...This is pretty
lame as it is still pretty easy to obtain caged animals of
different sexes from different stores. With Easter around the
corner, and the hordes of rabbits that will be bought and them
dumped at the SPCA, it reminds me of the importance of not selling
small animals from pet stores.
I hope the SPCA will go ahead with this campaign and perhaps try
to educate Petcetera on the importance of not selling live
animals.
Clerks and management personnel were insufficiently knowledgeable
as to the basic care...
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date: Friday, 11 March 2005, at 7:34 p.m.
In
Response To:
Will the SPCA "educate" Petcetera? (Lori Cumiskey)
I
have been in various Petcetera stores throughout the lower
mainland and have approached staff on numerous occasions
requesting information and advice on the baby rabbits displayed
for sale. For the most part, both clerks and management personnel
were insufficiently knowledgeable as to the basic care,
appropriate food, housing arrangements, veterinary care, the
importance of spay and neuter, or the overall responsibilities and
demands associated with pet rabbits.
It wasn’t uncommon either, to be given incorrect information,
especially when asking the sex of a rabbit. Given that kits are
often sold at the too young age of four weeks, it is not
surprising that those inexperienced and unfamiliar with these
creatures cannot correctly identify the gender.
With Easter fast approaching it would be prudent if the BC SPCA,
in its relationship with Petcetera, consider as a minimum, the
temporary cessation of rabbit sales.
Carmina Gooch
Rabbit rescuer Carmina Gooch questions the sincerity of
SPCA/Petcetera relationship to really help rabbits *LINK*
Posted By: AAS
Date: Monday, 14 March 2005, at 7:10 p.m.
What is the BC SPCA doing to address the plight of rabbits in
general, and specifically, those bought as Easter pets? Again this
year a predictable ho-hum public service announcement is released
"urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits..." but after
all this time shouldn't there be more in the way of proactive
initiatives? There are increasing colonies of domesticated rabbits
discarded to the outdoors and the lucrative pet peddling business
is thriving.
As the BCSPCA and Petcetera have a continuing
relationship/business partnership there would be considerable
gains, both in terms of public image, and animal welfare, if the
sale of rabbits as well as the other array of live caged animals
(prisoners) exploited for profit were terminated.
If this is not immediately achievable Petcetera has its own
adoption centre called Petcetera Animal Welfare Society that
operates in partnership with the BC SPCA. Petcetera founder and
President Mr. Dan Urbani has stated that as a "responsible pet
retailer Petcetera is committed to helping reduce pet
overpopulation" and that it also "works to reduce euthanasia rates
by providing adoption for homeless animals." BC SPCA cats and dogs
are rehomed through the program, so it is conceivable that if the
BC SPCA actively pursues a leadership role in such areas as
advocacy and reform, the creation and availability of educational
and public awareness programs, the enhancement of humane care
standards, and other such initiatives, that rabbits can be
included as well.
What is questionable is the implementation of the recent pilot
project at the Grandview & Rupert store wherein there is the
choice between the "adoption" of BC SPCA spayed/neutered adult
rescue rabbits for $59.95 each in one corner of the store and the
promotion and routine $19.99 “sale” of Petcetera baby and juvenile
bunnies in the other large and prominent well-lighted "livestock
section."
Carmina Gooch
SPCA: "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from
buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that is doing
just the opposite
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date: Saturday, 19 March 2005, at 9:48 p.m.
In
Response To:
An animal in a cage is not a pet - it's a prisoner (AAS)
The brutality and suffering associated with the pet business is
horrific, and every year about this time rabbits are promoted as
Easter gifts. The decision to buy is often an impulse one and the
sad reality is that the novelty wears off very quickly. The
majority end up neglected, mistreated, unwanted, abandoned, and
dead before reaching their first birthday.
In the current Petcetera flyer, colourfully displayed on the front
page are three baby bunnies sitting amongst Easter eggs. Not only
that but a "rabbit starter kit" is advertised on sale and included
is a tiny 30"L x 18"W x 16"H cage.
"Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from
buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that appears
to be doing just the opposite.
Carmina Gooch
An animal in a cage is not a pet - it's a prisoner
Posted By: AAS
Date: Saturday, 19 March 2005, at 10:52 a.m.
In
Response To:
The sugar glider (AAS)
Any creature that has to be caged is unsuitlable to be a "pet".
They are not companions. And even though some can be conditioned
to be held, most do not like to be held.
It is despicable of the SPCA to teach children that caged animals
are okay to keep as pets, as long as they are treated right.
It is despicable of the SPCA to partner with a mass-marketer of
caged animals.
But...what does it tell you about the SPCA? This issue is just one
of dozens that proves what AAS alleges about the SPCA. No matter
how anti-animal anything is, if it pays or promotes the SPCA, it's
okay with the SPCA.
SPCA: "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from
buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that is doing
just the opposite
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date: Saturday, 19 March 2005, at 9:48 p.m.
In
Response To:
An animal in a cage is not a pet - it's a prisoner (AAS)
The brutality and suffering associated with the pet business is
horrific, and every year about this time rabbits are promoted as
Easter gifts. The decision to buy is often an impulse one and the
sad reality is that the novelty wears off very quickly. The
majority end up neglected, mistreated, unwanted, abandoned, and
dead before reaching their first birthday.
In the current Petcetera flyer, colourfully displayed on the front
page are three baby bunnies sitting amongst Easter eggs. Not only
that but a "rabbit starter kit" is advertised on sale and included
is a tiny 30"L x 18"W x 16"H cage.
"Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from
buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that appears
to be doing just the opposite.
Carmina Gooch
The SPCA talks out of both sides of its mouth
Posted By: Carol Sonnex
Date: Sunday, 20 March 2005, at 7:12 a.m.
In
Response To:
SPCA: "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from
buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that is doing
just the opposite (Carmina Gooch)
Head Office of the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from
buying rabbits. But are the branches?
The Victoria Branch of the BC SPCA has many spayed and neutered
rabbits available for adoption without any disclaimer on their
small animal page to discourage impulse purchases of rabbits.
Instead it says: We have many rabbits who have spent a year (or
over!) at the shelter. Please come down to the shelter and add a
rabbit to your family.
At Halloween the SPCA won't sell black cats, so why at Easter do
they sell rabbits? Far more people are going to buy rabbits than
black cats so this has the appearance of marketing, not animal
welfare.
http://www.spca.bc.ca/victoria/
Just click on small animals to view
Purchased on Impulse
Posted By: Carmina Gooch <carminag@shaw.ca>
Date: Monday, 21 March 2005, at 4:35 p.m.
The following depicts the all too true tragic consequences of many
thousands of baby rabbits purchased on impulse as an Easter gift.
The majority will die after a brief existence of misery,unmourned,
unwanted, and unremembered, before reaching their first birthday.
It's the cycle from easy acquisition to disposal.
Carmina Gooch
Easter & Bunnies
Don't Mix
I
remember Easter Sunday
It was colorful and fun
The new life that I'd begun
In my new cage.
I
was just a little thing
When they brought me from the store
And they put me on the floor
In my cage.
They would take me out to play
Love and pet me all the time
Then at day's end I would climb
In my cage.
But as days and weeks went by
I saw less of them it seemed
Of their loving touch I dreamed
In my cage.
In the night outside their house
I felt sad and so neglected
Often scared and unprotected
In my cage.
In the dry or rainy weather
Sometimes hotter sometimes colder
I just sat there growing older
In my cage.
The cat and dog raced by me
Playing with each other only
While I sat there feeling lonely
In my cage.
Upon the fresh green grass
Children skipped and laughed all day
I could only watch them play
From my cage.
They used to take me out
And let me scamper in the sun
I no longer get to run
In my cage.
Once a cute and cuddly bunny
Like a little ball of cotton
Now I'm grown up and forgotten
In my cage.
I
don't know what went wrong
At the home I did inhabit
I just grew to be a rabbit
In my cage.
But they've brought me to the pound
I was once loved and enjoyed
Now I wait to be destroyed
In my cage.
Poem by Mary Brandolino
Please go and get a (fair trade) chocolate bunny instead!
Posted By: Lori Cumiskey
Date: Saturday, 26 March 2005, at 2:28 p.m.
In
Response To:
Today, millions of animals will be killed, most of them for meat
eaters *LINK* (AAS)
Please do not go out and adopt a rabbit unless you thoroughly
understand what it takes to take care of one. Especially please do
not buy from a pet store. The various lower mainland SPCA's are
full of rabbits. Rabbits can live quite a long time. They are not
very social and it is not fair to rabbits to keep them in cages.
(I have 3 rabbits and they run around a very large area in my
laundry room. They require nail clipping monthly as well as fresh
vegetables and daily litter box changing).
Easter is a tough time for rabbits as so many are adopted and then
taken into shelters when people find out they are not social
animals and require a large space and a fair amount of care.
Please go and get a (fair trade) chocolate bunny instead!
SPCA Speaking for Animals - Which animals?
Posted By: Barbara O'Neill
Date: Thursday, 31 March 2005, at 2:19 p.m.
In
Response To:
Rough times for SPCA (Lavone Zeviar)
SPCA Speaking for Animals - Which animals?
I
read with interest the article on the BCSPCA in today's Vancouver
Sun. While I do believe that the BCSPCA has saved many dogs and
cats, Mr Daniell out and out lies when he says animals are not
euthanized for lack of space. Perhaps, cats and dogs are not -
perhaps - but I know for a fact that rabbits certainly are, not at
all shelters but at many, the Surrey SPCA being one of the worst.
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in North America yet they
are constantly overlooked and ignored. They suffer greatly from
being sold as babies in pet stores. Already, here in the lower
mainland there is becoming a feral rabbit problem due to the fact
that these impulse pet store purchases lead to rabbits being
thrown out in parks and woodlands to fend for themselves. How can
the SPCA, an organization that is supposed to "speak for all
animals", work hand in glove and accept money from a big business
like Petcetra that is a huge part of the problem when it comes to
feral rabbits? How can they cheerfully hand over dogs and cats to
be adopted out by people who are selling rabbits and other hapless
little animals at the other end of the store? So, Petcetra doesn't
sell cats and dogs, goody for them - do the other animals count
for nothing? The care sheet they hand out with sold rabbits is
nothing more than a shopping list of things to purchase in the
store. There is no information on care, feeding, handling and MOST
important, spay and neuter. Is this a business that an
organization "speaking for animals" should work with?
The BCSPCA is in a powerful position to be able to do something
about this situation. They could tell Petcetra that their working
relationship will come to an end unless they cease the selling of
animals in their stores. Petcetra would loose enormous face if
they chose to fly in the face of the BCSPCA - not to mention many
sales. They already loose sales due to their "selling animals"
policy because all animal welfare organizations and their members
actively advise friends and followers to boycott this store.
Petcetra would probably find that sales would go up if they
stopped selling animals. Why won't the BCSPCA flex its muscles and
DO SOMETHING for the rabbits and small animals that need their
help?
What are the SPCA's "euthanasia" stats for rabbits and all the
other unnoticed little "pets"?
Posted By: Maureen Collins
Date: Thursday, 31 March 2005, at 3:47 p.m.
In
Response To:
Rough times for SPCA (Lavone Zeviar)
After reading today's article, "Rough times for the SPCA" I can't
help but wonder why there are estimated statistics on euthanasia
for cats and dogs but that figures for all other animals aren't
mentioned. Are there any?
I
would also like to point out that there is minimal space allocated
for rabbits and small animals in any of the SPCA facilities, and
that many owners who tire of their rabbit choose to throw it
outdoors or else contact other rescue groups. When will the BC
SPCA address this growing problem? Petcetera is planning on
opening two more stores in the lower mainland this year, so I
would suggest that Mr.Daniell and his organization mobilize
themselves into action.
To the BC SPCA Board of Directors: Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing
Rabbits for Space
Posted By: Carmina Gooch
Date: Sunday, 3 April 2005, at 10:10 a.m.
----- Original Message -----
From: Carmina
To: board@spca.bc.ca
Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2005 10:05 AM
Subject: Surrey SPCA --Killing Rabbits for Space
April 3, 2005
To: Ms. Troman,
Please read and acknowledge my letter to Mr Daniell and distribute
to all the members of the Board of Directors of the BC SPCA.
Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing Rabbits for Space
I
have just had a telephone conversation with a staff member at the
Surrey SPCA. I was told that if I was to bring in a couple of
stray rabbits they would be held for six days, and after that the
likelihood of them being killed was exceedingly high. There is
space allocated for only a minimal number, there is virtually no
call for rabbits after about six months of age, and yet people
constantly turn in their unwanted pet rabbits. To accept and then
kill them is not animal welfare.
Mr. Daniell, it has been no secret that multitudes of healthy
rabbits have, and continue to be killed for lack of space. How can
you say otherwise?
Feral colonies are increasing, Petcetera and other retailers have
an endless supply, and despite growing demands from society that
these issues be addressed, rabbits remain overlooked by your
organization.
Now too, the Youth Program has undergone "restructuring", the
previous staff (except one) has been let go, and most volunteers
have left. The hours of operation at the centre has been reduced,
and after the nine rabbits housed on site at the moment are no
longer, there will probably be only "two demonstration animals."
Can you please tell me how you are committing to the welfare and
advocacy of rabbits?
cc: Craig Daniell
Regards,
Carmina Gooch
Question to the BC SPCA Board: how can the SPCA claim to be
concerned with the welfare of rabbits when it has a business
relationship with Petcetera?
Posted By: AAS
Date: Sunday, 3 April 2005, at 12:08 p.m.
In
Response To:
To the BC SPCA Board of Directors: Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing
Rabbits for Space (Carmina Gooch)
----- Original Message -----
From: Animal Advocates
To: board@spca.bc.ca
Cc: cdaniell@spca.bc.ca
Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2005 12:05 PM
Subject: Question: how can the SPCA claim to be concerned with the
welfare of rabbits when it has a business relationship with
Petcetera?
Dear Ms Troman and Members of the BC SPCA Board of Directors,
Your BC SPCA entered into a business partnership with Petcetera in
1997. The partnership was revealed as unethical from the very
beginning. (Read:
http://www.animaladvocates.com/petcetera/)
Your BC SPCA continues this business partnership with what is very
likely the largest seller of rabbits in BC. At the same time, your
BC SPCA urges people to not buy rabbits at Easter, for example.
And at the same time, your BC SPCA kills an untold number of
rabbits a year.
Petceteras are used as free retail outlets for the selling of your
dogs and cats. We have many reports of Petcetera staff selling
dogs to very unsuitable people, and many reports of staff who are
ignorant of dog behaviour and welfare being permitted to sell SPCA
dogs. And to the best of our knowledge, there are no home checks
made, so SPCA dogs may be being sold to be abused, neglected, kept
in yards and on chains.
We urge you to discontinue your business partnership with
Petcetera.
We look forward to your earliest reply,
Judith Stone, President,
Animal Advocates Society of BC
The AAS web mag:
www.animaladvocates.com
The Watch Dog messageboard:
http://animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl
I am once again urging you to address the plight of rabbits
Posted By: Terry Roberge
Date: Sunday, 3 April 2005, at 7:47 p.m.
In
Response To:
Question to the BC SPCA Board: how can the SPCA claim to be
concerned with the welfare of rabbits when it has a business
relationship with Petcetera? (AAS)
Sent: April 3, 2005
From: Terry Roberge
To: Ms. Troman and Board
cc: Mr. Daniell
Subject: The BC SPCA and Rabbit Welfare
I
am once again urging you to address the plight of rabbits. The
over-population of domestic rabbits leads to other "rescue" groups
being overburdened, disease and early death to those abandoned
outdoors, unnecessary euthanasia of healthy rabbits by the BC
SPCA, and so on.
Animal welfare is a priority for all animals, and the BC SPCA is
in a position to bring forth change, both municipally and
provincially.
I
look forward to your response,
Terry Roberge
Citizens ARE concerned about the fate of rabbits at the BC SPCA
Posted By: Lana Simon
Date: Sunday, 3 April 2005, at 9:46 p.m.
In
Response To:
To the BC SPCA Board of Directors: Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing
Rabbits for Space (Carmina Gooch)
April 3rd, 2005
To: Ms. Mary Lou Troman, President, BCSPCA
cc: Mr. Craig Daniell, CEO, BCSPCA
cc: Mayor and Councillors - City of North Vancouver
Dear Ms. Troman:
Citizens are concerned about the fate of rabbits at the SPCA
Ten days ago, Pacific Animal Foundation (PAF) received a call from
a woman about two unfixed rabbits that had been abandoned by a
rental tenant in her neighbourhood who had recently moved. The
rabbits, (a male and a female), were running lo