December 2005
To: The President and the Board of Directors of the BC SPCA
(Please ensure that every member of the Board receives a copy of this email)

Re: SPCA Action Against Animal Advocates

I have just sat down to write my annual Christmas donations to the animal welfare organizations I respect the most and belatedly came across information from Animal Advocates about the BC SPCA's August 2004 lawsuit against them. I have only recently started contributing to SPCA again now that I am starting to see some effort by senior management to be more responsive to past concerns and criticisms. Given the enormous challenges of protecting animal welfare, no one should waste valuable resources on lawsuits. We need leadership from organizations as influential as the SPCA. You do much good work and if you demonstrate true stewardship, you will not need to waste time and resources defending yourself. I am here to be a supporter, but I must be convinced that my donations are well spent.

Perhaps this situation has already been resolved. Would you please advise of the current status. In the meantime, I will put aside my cheque to the SPCA, pending your response.

Sincerely,
Diane Alfred
Vancouver, B.C.