----- Original Message -----
From: John Harrison
To: mayorcampbell@city.vancouver.bc.ca ;
cc: Animal Advocates Society of B.C.
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2002 7:48 PM
Subject: dog attacks
Dear Mr. Campbell and City Councilors,
I was not surprised to read about the horrific dog attack on a teenager today. I have been gravely concerned for some time about the serious threat that many mistreated dogs pose to people as they become aggressive from neglect, lack of care and desocialization. This last year I made several attempts to get the SPCA to intervene in a situation where a dog is being severely neglected and has become very dangerous (see attached letter). I received absolutely no support or response from the SPCA - only rudeness and dismissal. I then reported this problem to the Animal Advocates Society who investigated it immediately and confirmed my concerns. Unfortunately, because of the aggressive nature of the dog and no support from the SPCA, they could do nothing except note it in their report to the city (the events today have resurfaced AAS's "report" in demonstrating that they have worked hard to raise awareness of this problem and get the city and the SPCA to take action on this). I beseech you to make this serious problem a priority and bring in bylaws that will prohibit animal neglect and abuse which is at the root of dog attacks. Also, the SPCA must begin to seriously work to fulfill its mandate of "the prevention of cruelty to animals" and I believe the city must take an active role in making this occur. How many more people will need to be maimed or even killed before this problem is seriously addressed? I am sure the city is becoming aware of the legal implications of it not taking action on this issue.
I am hopeful that a new mayor and city council will take immediate action on this problem. It is important that we demonstrate that this city is caring, compassionate and committed to stopping animal abuse and neglect which result in the kinds of attacks we are hearing about today.
Yours truly,
John W. Harrison
(604) 669-5941
cc: Animal Advocates Society