To the BC SPCA Board of Directors,

Again, I would like to state my disapproval of the lawsuit that the BC SPCA has against the Animal Advocates Society. I expressed my frustration at the last AGM in Prince George and I'd like to reiterate this feeling. I have not been convinced otherwise that this is not a SLAPP lawsuit. It is unfortunate that two organizations that are well-intentioned have become so entangled in this mess that animals are/will suffer because of it. As a long-time supporter of the SPCA, whether it be small, but consistent, monetary donations, or walking dogs, or selling tickets, I am angry that this money is being directed toward such a lawsuit, whether directly or indirectly. It is because of this that I have not donated in the past few months. I recall from the AGM that one of the justifications of this lawsuit was because of 'slanderous' comments made by the AAS that is apparently costing the SPCA in terms of lost donations. My reason for not donating is because of the lawsuit. Not because of what was said on the AAS website. I do not believe lines have been crossed in terms of what has been said - how does one define what is/isn't slanderous? And how do we prove the supposed financial loss? We all have differing opinions on this. Needless to say, its freedom of speech is a right that we all share and organizations should not be silenced because others disagree.

I hope for the sake of the SPCA, the Animal Advocates Society, my faith in large organizations, and for abused and neglected animals in BC, that this is resolved outside of the courts and in good faith.

Sincerely,

Shiloh Durkee
Prince George, BC

"Truly open-minded people question the status quo and, instead of making decisions based on habit or convenience or convention, make decisions from ethical first principles." - Matt Ball