I want to respond to your reply post. I am in no way trying to 'bluff' my way through anything nor am I whinning. I am simply stating what I saw and my concern. My argument about dogs being tethered is legitimate because it is what I saw with my own two eyes. The fact that there were dogs tethered outside in hot weather without water is legitimate and my concern for dogs that are tangled in their tether with no room to move is legitimate. The fact that this was the case at an SPCA shelter is legitimate and a concern to those that care for animals.
You say the dogs are removed and tethered only while cleaning because the dissinfectant would irritate their paws? When cleaning kennels, harmful solutions should never be used. Why is your facility not using A-33 of something similar that is non toxic to animals? Why are the animals not being exercised while their kennel is being cleaned?
You're right that I was there when the gates were closed, however my honking was not because of ignorance. I did not honk my horn or call trying to get in. I was trying to get the attention of one of the staff so they could untangle to dog that had only 2 feet to move. There were no cars visible and there did not appear to be any activity within that facility. Your comment about the staff hiding inside until I left is ridiculous. Even if that was the case, if anyone had looked out the window to see me there, they would have seen the tangled dog. A dogs safety takes priority over any possible rude person waiting at the gate. Unfortunatley no matter what field you work in you will encounter rude people. That is something employee's have to be able to deal with, not hide from. NO I don't go to the bank and honk my horn... that's because I know my money is safe with them.
When it comes to adopting animals, public hours don't apply. The SPCA is not a retail buisness... or is it? If someone wants to adopt an animal and there are staff inside, why not let them in even if it is before 'public' hours. What does the shelter have to hide?
I am not trying to cause conflict with you. But there are other opinions out there that can all be handled in a mature manor through discussion.
As per your suggestion, I have contacted the Williams Lake SPCA once again, with my concerns and am awaiting a reply. I look forward to hearing from them.
Regards,
Nikola Riley