After being subjected to what some voters referred to as undue pressure and intimidation tactics by members of the provincial board of directors and head office staff, branch representatives voted in favor of new BCSPCA bylaws on November 3, 2001. These bylaws gave head office control AND placed full power and control of the BCSPCA in the hands of 16 provincial board members. In addition to the alleged intimidation tactics, branches were told by head office and provincial board members that a vote for the new bylaws would result in better opportunities and a more level playing field for all branches, as opposed to "have" and "have not" branches throughout the province. The playing field is level alright, there are more "have not" branches than ever before and the animals are the ones who are suffering.