Summary Report & Recommendations
Animal Control
Recommendations
It is the view of the independent panel that the BC SPCA's reputation has suffered because the public believes that it has put the business of animal control ahead of animal welfare. Cruelty prevention, education and advocacy appear to have an unacceptably low priority, and many participants in this public consultation are asking whether the BC SPCA can truly say, "it speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves". The BC SPCA must decide whether the heart and soul of the organization is based on business relationships with municipalities or with animal welfare. We understand the reasons why the BC SPCA became involved with animal control. However, in our view, animal control is a municipal issue and should be left to municipalities.
With this in mind, we recommend that the BC SPCA consider getting out of animal control as contracts expire and put additional effort and resources into prevention of cruelty, education and advocacy, which are the foundation of its mission. While there would be a loss of revenue initially, we are of the opinion that the public would be highly supportive of this strategy, and would give the BC SPCA the opportunity to increase revenues through targeted fundraising initiatives.