I agree that Lorie Chortyk of the BC SPCA struck a very low blow to the Delta Mayor and Council when she said "If Delta wants to have dangerous dogs among their children, they can do that."
However, in my opinion, there was yet one step lower down the path to destruction of the BC SPCA which Lorie Chortyk openly took when she stated "I think there's a lot of knee-jerk reaction in some places and it would be a shame if people made decisions based on a lot of letters to council."
In the democratic society in which we as Canadians and British Columbians live, Lorie Chorytk has also insulted, belittled and demeaned members of the voting public.I am by no means widely educated in the political arena. However, I do know that the Mayor of Delta and Council are officials who are elected by the people who reside and vote in Delta. They are elected as Mayor and Council to represent them because the people believe that those they endorsed and voted for will best listen to and respect their views, support their wants and needs, take action and make wise and informed decisions which will make Delta the best municipality that it can be. In the time period leading up to the election of Mayor and Council, there are many opportunities for the public to express their vision of what the Municipality of Delta can become in the years ahead. When the election process is over and the officials take office, the importance of communicating that vision and providing feedback to the Mayor and Council is no less important and should not cease. It is crucial that "a lot of letters" which Lorie Chortyk referred to in her comment continue to be sent. It is letters, telephone calls, faxes, e-mails and presentations from responsible members of any community which are invaluable in guiding the Mayors and Councils in their representation,leadership and decision making. How will all elected officials across our province and our country, know our growing and ever changing vision if we, the citizens, do not continue to tell them?
In regard to the welfare of animals in Delta, specifically those in care of the BC SPCA, the people have spoken, the Mayor and Council have listened and responded appropriately.
The BC SPCA is free, as are any other organizations, to submit a bid for consideration to provide shelter and a number of services to people and animals within the community. By attacking the democratic process and trivializing the right and responsibility of the people in Delta to express themselves regarding this process , I believe that Lorie Chortyk has single handedly destroyed opportunities present and future for the BC SPCA to be the successful bidder in Delta and potentially in other municipalities,towns and cities as well. As their spokesperson, Lorie Chortyk far overstepped her boundaries, rights and responsibilities that the BC SPCA's self developed Code of Ethics defines. The Municipality of Delta is one of many geographic areas throughout the province of British Columbia. The implication of statements made by an official spokesperson in a public venue are open for sharing, discussion, feedback, evaluation and consideration in decision making across the province.If ever the BC SPCA needed damage control throughout our province it is now. However, in my opinion, the damage done by the words publicly spoken in the uncontrolled, unprofessional, uninformed and "knee-jerk reaction" of Lorie Chortyk as the BC SPCA official spokesperson cannot be undone, repaired or forgotten. The President and Board of Directors of the BC SPCA is the only remaining governing body within the Society which can take charge, do differently and take the first steps in leading the BC SPCA forward on a positive course. In doing so, they cannot and must not turn back.
I strongly suggest that the appointment or hiring of a new spokesperson takes a position of high priority on the SPCA's " must do " list.