http://www.richmondreview.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=45&cat=45&id=973093&more=

No reply at all

Apr 28 2007

When Richmond Animal Protection Society rallied for and won our animal shelter from the SPCA I was pleased.

I felt they would show compassion and care for our lost and abused animals, but I was wrong.

On Tuesday night, a stray dog approached my driveway, and he was obviously starving, lost and terrified. I fed him, gave him water, and looked for his identification, of which he had none. I then called the shelter, and got only voicemail. I tried a cell number that is attached to the shelter, and still received voicemail.

After calling the Vancouver SPCA, and about six other numbers to no avail, I called our local RCMP detachment. Two kind and compassionate officers arrived (despite much chiding by their co-workers, I’m sure), and attempted to catch the dog. I was shocked to learn that they do not have an emergency number for the shelter, and had they caught the terrified pooch, would have had no choice but to put him in a cell for a night. At least then the dog would have been safe.

The next day, no one from Richmond Animal Protection Society returned our phone calls, and the dog is still loose. I find it ludicrous that in a city of this size and reputation our shelter is only open during office hours. So much for their hard-won compassion and experience. I suggest council take a closer look.

Louise Walker

Richmond