Terra Vallely is a well-respected dog and cat rescuer in the Interior. Although Terra specializes in abused and abandoned Dobermans, she helps many other dogs also. Terra received no answer....of course.

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul & Terra Vallely
To: Craig Daniell ; mltroman@ntouchcorp.com ; roxiegirl@shaw.ca ; p_mackillop@telus.net ; rennebergv@cnc.bc.ca ; vanessa.lycos@shaw.ca ; zred@telus.net ; carla_maruyama@hermanmiller.com ; tinakcr@hotmail.com ; enlepage@shaw.ca ; g-peterson@shaw.ca ; tigerbowen@yahoo.com ; kared@telus.net ; thebad3@shaw.ca ; kimby_59@yahoo.ca ; phyllisgregg@telus.net ; charger@citytel.net
Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2004 2:26 PM
Subject: SPCA Euthanasia practices

To the BC SPCA Board of Directors,

In the interest of education... I, and I am sure there are many others, would like to know why there have been so many dogs euth'd while under the direct care of the SPCA in the last week alone.

Specifically, Mr. Big from Delta, Zodie, Cola, Carmen and 1 other from Nanaimo, Smiley from P.G. I know there are many more, but let's keep it simple. These dogs were all listed for adoption, and were deemed adoptable, having passed the behavioral assessments. I simply don't understand...
Did they do something terribly wrong?
Were they ill and was it recommended by a vet?
Did they need medical attention, if so, why were there no pleas for donations?
For space?
Was the order from higher up?
Were some too old?
Had they been there too long?
Why were rescues [independant rescue groups], who offered to help in some cases, not contacted?

I have received private emails with respect to witnessed actions within the SPCA buildings. I have also been informed by employees and/or volunteers of the reasons that were given to euthanise some of these animals. In one situation it was suggested that the dogs were possibly too loud. Can any of you explain how that would be a legitimate reason to euthanise an animal. Another dog simply growled.

There are people who are more than willing to assist - however is is very heart-wrenching and frustrating to hear almost every day on local rescue boards, private emails or via phone that the SPCA has killed another dog.

I would like to know why? I don't expect to hear from any of you, but if you wish, you are more than welcome to email me directly. I have asked the same questions to shelter management, have received a few responses and many point the fingers at you... the board of directors. If it is policy to euthanise animals for space or whatever the reason may be... why not just say so. By euthanising animals, quickly removing the animals from the adoption website and not being accountable for actions taken, the SPCA appears to everyone watching to be unethical and dishonest. The SPCA has been known to impound animals due to neglect and I applaud you for that. However, can anyone explain to me why Zodie the rottweiler was left for 4 months in the Nanaimo SPCA, suffering and in pain from his elbow displaysia. Why was the needed medical attention denied... and why did he have to suffer for 4 months before he was killed? How can a dog under the direct care of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have been neglected in this manner?

I am an independant rescue, and I do animal control for the small municipality in my area. I am realistic and I am not expecting perfection. I also know first hand that you can't possibly save every animal. I have received the rescue application that the SPCA previously compiled and distributed. However, I am reluctant to fill out the SPCA rescue questionnaire and abide by a code of ethics (which I do on my own) when the SPCA 'appears' to be unable to abide by it themselves. What am I missing? Why does the SPCA wish to anyalize so thoroughly the rescues that do so much to help them, which rescues also have preferred professional and vet references. Why do you not screen the potential adopters or foster homes in this fashion... it would most certainly result in better matched homes for these animals.

I would love to see all rescues, shelters, Animal control facilities and spcas work together professionally one day. One can only dream of what we could accomplish for the animals if that were a reality. I was previously encouraged by a board member to become more involved with the SPCA, and to be honest, I would love to. I still make offers to help, however on some occasions I am denied as I have not filled out the rescue application. I have adopted 3 dogs from the SPCA over the past 15 years. (I have helped with many more on a rescue basis) Why am I not good enough to help now, when I can provide more assistance to you? The SPCA has released numerous dogs to our rescue, which dogs we found wonderful homes for. Why now do we have to fill out an application?

I hope to hear back from you and have some of my questions answered. I ask that you take the time to respond to my email as I have taken the time to write to you and ask rather than directing blame. In the meantime I will review your application again and will consider forwarding it shortly, in an effort to work together to help the animals.

Sincerely,

Terra Vallely

Doberman Rescue BC
email vallely@telus.net dobermanrescuebc@hotmail.com
our sites: www.petfinder.org/shelters/BC104.html or www.dobermanrescuebc.com