I wish to make several comments with respect to the posting by VRRA President, Olga Betts.

-If the cages are known by SPCA management to be inadequate why were they installed in the first place?

-Given the SPCA's budget and donations one would think money could be allocated for cages. Within the past year VRRA estimated the cost for supplies for building cages to be only about $1000 - $1500. This caging has been an issue of concern since they were introduced November 2004.

-In addition to fundraising for the Vancouver SPCA shouldn't Canada's only House Rabbit Society chapter, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue & Advocacy, be encouraging the SPCA to improve rabbit welfare conditions throughout its operations?

-What attempts have been made to establish adequate run time and space for rabbits? Would the results of an audit of the available space at SPCA shelters indicate when and where rabbits could have adequate room to exercise? Has the SPCA considered a communal room such as the one that has been established at the North Vancouver District Animal Shelter for the past three years?

Necessity forces pragmatic compromise but compromise should not be allowed to become the status quo.

Sue Collard
Former Volunteer, Vancouver SPCA
Past President VRRA