----- Original Message -----
From: Gail Matwichuk
To: gordon.campbell.mla@leg.bc.ca ; wally.oppal.mla@leg.bc.ca ; john.les.mla@leg.bc.ca ; pat.bell.mla@leg.bc.ca ; board@spca.bc.ca ; cdaniell@spca.bc.ca
Cc: office@animaladvocates.com
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 2:00 PM
Subject: I am concerned about the possible abuse of power by the BC SPCA and its use of legal SLAPP suits

I am writing to you because I am upset and concerned about the welfare of defenceless animals who are being abused and neglected every day of their lives and nothing is being done! I have personally dealt with the SPCA many times and to no avail. those animals are still in the "care" of those who abuse them. Some animals have died of their situations. I hear the excuse that "our hands are tied" because of the legislation or laws, so obviously we desperately need to change those laws or lack of.

Also the SPCA gets money donated from the private sector to try and protect abused animals, but it is now being used to fund a law suit on a private society who also is trying to protect abused animals. Isn't this a conflict of interest and an abuse of these funds? If it were children who were being abused, would anyone sue a party trying to help? I think not. We need to stop the abuse and neglect to animals and an abuse of public money to sue anyone is not the answer. Please stop the law suits and change the laws to better defend those who cannot speak for themselves!

Gail Matwichuk
Anmore, B.C.