The BC SPCA doesn't understand that when it contracts with a municipality to provide animal control services they are simply a private contractor accepting public money for a public service. The public has every right to complain if they don't like the service, if the SPCA can't take the heat they should get out of the kitchen.

It is clear to me and should be clear to the SPCA Board and Management that animal welfarists and rescuers are their natural constituency. Nearly every person involved in these smaller rescue organizations were at one time members, volunteers and supporters of the SPCA. Today these people form a huge group of "critics" who by word of mouth do more damage to the Society and the Society's future than any media story or web page bulletin Board.

Recently in Victoria there was an Animal Adoption Fair in support of the smaller rescues. The SPCA was not invited. Some people at the SPCA expressed outrage at their non inclusion. It didn't dawn on them that the key organizers of this fair were the very same hard working long term volunteers that the SPCA ejected from its Victoria shelter some four months ago.

The SPCA needs to understand that if you kick people out of your club, don't be surprised if you are not invited to their party. Boxer Rescue is in good company.

Rick Sargent