I agree with Nadine Gourkow that there are way too many abandoned cats and that they suffer terribly. Many of the kittens seen in shelters are semi-feral from abandoned unspayed moms. It’s a huge problem. But small rescue groups are doing the best they can with their small budgets. There’s obviously a need for more education and spay/neuter initiatives than are currently available. Who is best equipped to take this on? Surely this is the job of the BCSPCA. In 2001 they accepted a “short term” goal of establishing “a task force to research and identify solutions regarding the control and protection of feral cats.” What’s the current status of this project?

The SPCA is still euthanizing feral cats. How much closer are they to a solution than they were in 2001? (A solution that helps the cats, that is. Euthanasia isn’t a solution.) Surely they would want to publicize their progress on a big issue like this. Seriously, did I miss something or has there been nothing beyond a couple of annual spay/neuter days? Those are great, they’re just not enough for a group with the SPCA’s wherewithal.

I don’t want to bash the SPCA because bashing will never win anyone over. But how could I not lose faith when problems continue year after year and I see no sign that the SPCA is fulfilling Community Consultation recommendations, and there’s no answer to questions and suggestions sent to head office.

For Nadine Gourkow to say that “we have only ourselves to blame” overlooks that fact that people all over the province do care and are sending donations and bequeathing their estates to the SPCA so they can solve the problem. The general public doesn’t have the expertise or authority to deal with those who neglect animals, they’re sending money to the group that does. The SPCA must stop falling back on the excuse that it’s the public’s responsibility, not theirs.