November 2002: Recently trotted out from the PR department's FastTrack letter....
"Happy 1st Anniversary to the 'New' BC SPCA!
It was one year ago this week that the Society took the historic step of
adopting its new constitution and by-laws and entered a new era of animal
welfare and protection in BC. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to each and
every staff member and volunteer who has worked tirelessly during this past
year to implement changes and improvements to our Society. We have much to
celebrate after our first year. Our accomplishments include:
- Adoption of a Strategic Plan.
- Creation of a new Charter.
- Approval of strengthened Animal Care Guidelines.
- Implementation of canine behavioural assessments.
- Implementation of the cat management program.
- Approval of a Companion Animal Welfare policy.
- Regional structure (Chief Operating Officer and Regional Managers) in place.
- New staff hired to promote education and volunteerism.
- Study on the management of feral cat colonies launched.
- Hiring of General Manager, Cruelty Investigations.
- 'SPCA Certified' labelling program launched.
- Increased links with rescue groups.
- Development of a Human Resources Plan.
- Society-wide Compensation Review.
- Pilot study for RSPCA Assessment program.
- Increased links with UBC Animal Welfare Program.
- New Adoption Kit created.
- Anim@ls E-newsletter launched.
- Pre-spay/neuter programs running in one-third of all shelters
(plans for many more in 2003!).
- Work underway to produce a 2003 consolidated budget.
- Foster networks increased.
- Centralized banking services.
- Enhanced website (2 million hits a month!).
- 400% increase in positive media coverage.
These are just a few of the many initiatives undertaken during this past
year to fulfill the vision outlined in our Strategic Plan. Thank you
everyone!!"