The PCA Act allows the SPCA to "dispose" of dogs so that it is not compelled to impound dogs for the course of lengthy trials and appeals which could result in large, unrecoverable expenses. Prolonged impoundment is also cruel so it is not in the best interests of a dog either.

But disposal by death is a decision of the SPCA's. Disposal could also mean putting dogs with paid, SPCA accredited trainers/rehabilitators who work with dogs in their homes so that the dog has the opportunity to learn how to be someone's pet.

Yes, it would be expensive, but for what is the SPCA appealing for so much money if not to prevent the cruelty of a short, brutal life of neglect ended by a callously calculated death?

From the PCA Act:

11. Relieving distress in animals
11 If an authorized agent is of the opinion that an animal is in distress and the person responsible for the animal

(a) does not promptly take steps that will relieve its distress, or

(b) cannot be found immediately and informed of the animal's distress,

the authorized agent may, in accordance with sections 13 and 14, take any action that the authorized agent considers necessary to relieve the animal's distress, including, without limitation, taking custody of the animal and arranging for food, water, shelter and veterinary treatment for it.

Definitions

(2) For the purposes of this Act, an animal is in distress if it is

(a) deprived of adequate food, water or shelter,

(b) injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or

(c) abused or neglected.

18 Disposition of animals removed from custody of owner
18 If an animal is removed from the custody of its owner under section 11 and taken into the custody of the society, the society may destroy, sell or otherwise dispose of the animal 14 days after the society has given notice to the owner in accordance with section 19.

19 Form of notice
19 The notice referred to in sections 17 (b) and 18 must be in writing and

(a) mailed to or served personally on the owner, or

(b) if it cannot be mailed to or served personally on the owner, published at least 3 times at 2 day intervals in a newspaper circulating in the area in which the animal was taken into custody.

Costs and proceeds of disposition
20 (1) The owner of an animal taken into custody under section 11 is liable to the society for the costs incurred by the society under this Act with respect to the animal.

(2) The society may require the owner to pay the costs for which he or she is liable under subsection (1) before returning the animal.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), the society may retain the proceeds of a sale or other disposition of an animal under section 17 or 18.

(4) If the proceeds of a sale or other disposition exceed the costs referred to in subsection (1), the owner of the animal may, within 6 months of the date the animal was taken into custody, claim the balance from the society.