Vancouver Sun: Soundoff
March 3, 2008

Attack on SPCA full of misinformation
Craig Daniell
Re: SPCA deserves none of our money, Feb. 13

Roslyn Cassells’s vicious attack on the B. C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does a huge disservice to an organization that is recognized worldwide for its progressive work in animal welfare.

To clarity some of the misinformation in Cassells’s attack:

The B. C. SPCA has neither asked for nor received any money from the city of Vancouver for a new animal shelter; the money Cassells refers to is being discussed by council for redevelopment of the city’s existing pound facility and has nothing to do with the B. C. SPCA.

However, the city has expressed strong interest in partnering with the SPCA in any new venture involving animal care because of our experience and reputation in animal welfare.

The B. C. SPCA has one of the lowest administration costs ( eight per cent) of any non- profit society, with salaries that are comparable to or below those of other charities and municipally operated animal shelters.

By way of example, the B. C. SPCA is currently recruiting for a dual- role branch manager for its Vancouver and Burnaby shelters; at the same time, the District of North Vancouver is recruiting a manager for its municipal animal shelter. While the SPCA is offering an annual salary of $ 55,000 to $ 65,000 to manage two shelters, the position for a single shelter commands $ 68,288 to $ 75,880 in the District of North Vancouver. Furthermore, branch managers at smaller SPCA shelters earn as little as $ 40,000 a year, and some shelters are run entirely by volunteers.

When the SPCA must euthanize an animal, it is for the same reason so- called “ no- kill” facilities euthanize animals — to end the suffering of an animal that is beyond medical help or to protect the public from a highly aggressive animal that has not responded to rehabilitation.

Cassells’s vindictive references to gas chambers, high kill rates and bloated salaries show that she is completely ignorant about an animal care organization that rescued more than 41,000 abused, neglected, injured and homeless animals last year, and which continues to work closely with municipalities to provide the best care possible for the most vulnerable and at- risk animals in our communities.