June 12, 2001
Victoria Times Colonist

GET SPCA ON NO-KILLING TRACK

I think it's time to get our SPCA back on track. Critics are upset with all the unnecessary killing of healthy animals. All over the world, shelters have come to the conclusion that humane societies and pound contract work don't mix. It's a disconnection. It's the job of the municipalities to enforce their own animal bylaws. Why should a humane society have to be the killer of unwanted pets?

The "no kill" concept is not a new one. San Francisco SPCA started theirs a decade ago, with surprising results. Their adoptions went up, volunteers were attracted and retained, staff morale improved, their image was enhanced, their community supported them, the donations went up and it sharpened the skills and creativity of the management.

When killing is an option, it's tempting to use it as a mechanism for population control. When killing in not an option they begin to solve the problems, which builds staff communication, camaraderie and cohesiveness. It's a win-win situation.

So why are we having such a hard time trying to convince the board of directors of our SPCA to move in that direction? At the AGM in March, we were told that "no kill" was a pipe dream...yes, it is a dream but it's a dream that is fast becoming a reality.

I suggest the executive director and her board click onto the San Francisco SPCA webpage and enlighten themselves as to where the future is for animal welfare. It's time to move the Victoria SPCA into the 21st Century.

Rick Sargent,
Victoria