Advocate questions SPCA's proposal
by Richard Rolke

Concerns are growing over a proposed shift to the Vernon SPCA's mandate.
At least one advocate for animal care is questioning the B.C. SPCA's plans to use the local shelter for abused animals seized throughout the Interior.
"Where are they going to put the animals? They're turning animals away already," said Heather Pettit, a former Vernon SPCA president who now heads the Vernon Animal Care Society.
In its 2005 -2008 strategic plan, the B.C. SPCA looks at the viability of all of its facilities provincewide and a number of changes are proposed.
"With respect to the Chilliwack and Vernon branches, we recommend that the CEO develop models to establish seizure centres in these two locations, bearing in mind the community's needs to continue to make limited use of these facilities in the future. Such models should at a minimum be cost neutral to the society," states the SPCA report.
According to Pettit, she is concerned the addition of seized animals could drastically reduce the level of service provided to the Vernon area, including adoptions and surrendered animals.
"They say in the report community use would be limited," she said.
"We all worked hard to build a local shelter and if the plan goes ahead, there will be even less room for a shelter. We [Vernon Animal Care Society] already can't accommodate the animals after the SPCA is full."
Pettit also wonders why the SPCA has not made the strategic plan public or sought input from the community.
However, B.C. SPCA officials defend their actions.
"We're early in discussions and looking at all options," said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations.
"We're trying to do what is best for the animals and the communities."
Chortyk believes the proposed seizure centre could benefit the Vernon shelter.
"We have an ongoing deficit and it's not a branch the community can support. We don't want to close it so this could be a way of keeping the shelter open."
In terms of space, Chortyk believes there is sufficient room at the shelter to handle existing uses and new ones.
"Animals can be moved to the Kelowna or Penticton shelters. There are options to care for the animals," she said.
According to Chortyk, it makes sense to have a centre that deals with seized animals.
"A lot of our cruelty investigations are in the Interior, such as puppy mills," she said.
In terms of input, Chortyk says the plan has been discussed with shelter staff and the SPCA's community advisory council in Vernon.
The SPCA's Haney Road shelter is owned by the North Okanagan Regional District and there is about 29 years left in the rental agreement.
"Regional district staff are aware of it [ strategic plan ] and there looking to see if what's proposed fits into the contract," said Stan Field, NORD chairman.