http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/opinion/letters/18465049.html

Staffing levels are too low
May 02, 2008 | | | |

I am writing this letter to express my complete shock and disbelief at how  inadequate the SPCA is after hours.

Last night I was sitting on my deck reading the paper as I usually do, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a small face and instantly began petting my dog.

When I did the double take and saw that this was not my dog but a very skinny and scared dog with an internet cord wrapped around its neck, my first instinct was to call the SPCA.

 When I finally got to speak with someone I was told that because I had the dog and she was considered “safe,” it wasn’t really considered an emergency. I was also told that during the after hours they only have one staff on for the entire area from West Vancouver to Hope so the chances of me hearing from or seeing them at all were slim.

 Luckily for me (and her) this beautiful dog was house trained, good on a leash and great with other animals, so I was able to have her in my home until I could connect with the SPCA.

 Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate everything that the SPCA does for our less fortunate animals. I just hope one day they will be seen as important to funding agencies and the government as they really are.

How is one person for that entire region even considered remotely appropriate?

Stephanie Whitaker