January 11, 2002

Dear Ms. Moerkerken,

Subject: Complaint regarding the euthanasia of a shelter dog for reason of space.

Thank you for the concerns that you expressed in your email of January 10, 2002. Rick Favelle, the shelter supervisor, was contacted with respect to your concerns.

Rick advises that the dog was euthanized because it was very aggressive toward other dogs. Apparently the dog would attack any other dog that we tried to place in the kennel.

Prior to the decision being made to euthanize, numerous attempts were made to foster the dog through our volunteer coordinators. Regrettably this action was unsuccessful.

In 2000 the Vancouver Regional SPCA adopted a policy regarding the euthanasia of dogs for reasons of space. The policy states that no adoptable dog may be euthanized because of a lack of room. The protocol requires that the supervisor make contact with our animal transfer personnel or their volunteer coordinators in an attempt to find a suitable place for the dogs. Should they be unable to find space they are to inform a manager who will attempt to find space. In the event that the manager cannot find room then he is to contact the Director of Field Operations who will in turn try to find space. The Director would then approach the C.E.O. for direction. The policy was enacted in 2000 and since that time we have not euthanized a dog for the sole reason of space.

The BCSPCA, having an open shelter policy, will not refuse to accept any animal that is presented at a shelter. Sometimes it takes time to properly evaluate the animal as to its suitability for adoption. Further, our policy states that we will not knowingly adopt out an animal that is vicious, sick or injured. Policy was adhered to with respect to this situation.

We trust that this information addresses the concerns that you expressed in your email.

Sincerely,

Richard Green