----- Original Message -----
From: Roslyn Cassells
To: Animal Advocates Society of B.C.
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 7:32 PM
Subject: council animal platform submission

Dear Judy,

I fully support all initiatives of Animal Advocates of BC to change and/or
create laws to stop cruelty and neglect of animals. As an elected
official, and a long-time political activist for the animals, I have worked
on policy development on these and other issues relating to the plight of
animals in Canada.

My current city council platform contains the following points:

It is clear that no-kill animal shelters, improved animal protection
bylaws, and subsidized spay and neuter programming would not only improve
animal welfare but also decrease animal control and policing expenses.
Improved animal protection bylaws banning the chaining of dogs, puppy and
kitten mills, the use of guard dogs, circuses using animals, rodeos, and
the use animals in "entertainment" are urgently needed. Currently
Vancouver lags far behind other lower-mainland jurisdictions in creating
and implementing basic animal protection bylaws. As city councillor I will
work tirelessly towards these goals.

Protection for animals not covered under provincial or federal law is
needed for humane and ecological reasons. Wild animals have no protection
at all from being killed, poison, trapped, or otherwise abused by people.
Animals such as racoons and squirrels, birds such as pigeons and starlings.
The importation of exotic animals also raises such serious animal welfare
and ecological concerns that Vancouver should institute a ban.

I am currently serving a three year term as a municipally elected park
commissioner in Vancouver. My record on animal issues includes the
establishment of the Coexisting with Coyotes through Education Program,
campaigning successfully to halt the Canada Goose roundup, opposing the
capture of whales, dolphins, and other animals at the Vancouver Aquarium,
and achieving a partial ban on poisons and toxins in Vancouver Parks.

Keep fighting the good fight Animal Advocates, I am with you!

Sincerely,

Independent Council Candidate Roslyn Cassells
for more information or to help in the campaign, call 676-1419
visit my website at www.alternatives.com/greenwave/