A group spear-headed by some ex-SPCA volunteers want animal care in Vernon back in local hands with local control, governance, and accountability. Policies at municipally-run animal shelters and pounds can be influenced directly through FOI and the ballot.

The SPCA is protected by its charitable status from FOI enquiries, a situation that must change. Complaints about the SPCA go to the SPCA - there is no independent oversight body. That must change. The SPCA structure has never encouraged change from within.

And so the inevitable is happening all over BC. Local animal-lovers are demanding change. They want their voices heard and the ultimate voice is the ballot box. Municipal pounds run by local government are the best option for animal control and care.

A recent incident at the Vernon SPCA, which resulted in some employees and volunteers quitting in protest at heavy-handed BC SPCA Head Office actions, is what precipitated the drive for change. This ad was placed in the Vernon Morningstar newspaper. The turn-out for the meeting was 55 - 60 people, an amazing number for an issue not about taxes or property rights.