The BC SPCA likes to say that it "works with" other groups in the animal rescue community in BC and in fact there are some groups out of the 90 or more that are registered charities, that have agreed to be allowed to take animals that the SPCA decides they can have. But the SPCA has made an unfortunate habit of using threats of being struck off the list if these groups don't toe the SPCA line. Some bow to the threats, believing that they will not be given sick animals by the SPCA if they don't keep quiet.

Although many dog-rescuers criticize the SPCA by saying that the SPCA only off-loads dogs that aren't easily rehomed (sick, old, behaviour problems) and keeps the dogs that are easily placed, we don't share that criticism. As long as the SPCA has the dog in a foster home, the dog is as well-off as if it were in the rescue groups foster home - that is if the SPCA is willing to cover the vet costs of the dog, something that we have been told it sometime won't. We have been told this about sick cats in foster homes too, but not for the last few months so perhaps this is no longer happening. But if the SPCA is keeping a dog in a cell and won't give it to a group that can supply a good home or a foster home, then the criticism is warranted.

Last December 31st, Lesa Ibarra of Boxer Rescue Canada (an SPCA "approved" group), posted this letter to the City of Surrey that was critical of the way the SPCA was carrying-out its dog control contract with the City.

December 28th, 2005

Mayor Diane Watts and Councillors,
City of Surrey

December 27th, 2005 I was driving on 176th ST. in Surrey, about the 3700 block. Two large mixed breed dogs were running at large, not too friendly as I tried to stop and see if I could get them into my van. I called the Surrey SPCA and left two messages. Closed for the day, only emergencies would be answered, dogs in distress or dangerous ones only. Strays etc would be dealt with the following day. This is what the message said. I truly hope they made it home safe. I drove the same way on my way home, just in case I saw them again. This time I had food to encourage them to be nice. No sign of them, but there was another large long haired dog at the side of the road. I crossed the hwy and parked to go see if it was hurt or dead. Dead. The collar had a piece of rope (about eight to 12 inches long) attached, frayed badly, chewed? I believe this poor dog was a tethered yard dog that had managed to escape his bonds and had died horribly and painfully, perhaps slowly. This dog had not just been hit, not sure how long it had been there, at least overnight I suspect. I called the Surrey SPCA again and left another message and my numbers to contact me. Again, no response.

I have three questions that I hope you will answer.

One: Do you consider that the SPCA's dog control contract is being carried out in accordance with its requirements?
Two: Do you think that allowing people to keep dogs in yards 24\7, tethered or penned or loose, in third-world conditions of cruelty, a credit to the City of Surrey's reputation?
Three: Do you think that paying a dog control contractor to pick up and dispose of the bodies of dogs that have died trying to escape the misery of a life of isolation, responsible stewardship of taxpayer's money?
Four: Will you adopt a bylaw limiting the hours to one hour a day that a dog may be kept in a yard, on a chain or other tether, in a pen, on a porch or deck, or in a garage or buildings other than a house?

Sincerely,
Lesa Ibarra
Boxer Rescue Canada

Surrey, B.C.