To the White family's lawyers:

January 1, 2003

Davis and Company
Vancouver BC

Re: mauling of Shenica White by two dogs in Vancouver:

In June 2001, Animal Advocates Society of BC gave the City of Vancouver our report on the state of yard/guard dogs in the City, "IT'S TIME!" http://www.animaladvocates.com/It'sTime.htm

The report quotes twelve expert opinions on the danger these dogs may pose to the public, especially to children. http://www.animaladvocates.com/ITSTIME-public-safety.PDF

On September 20, 2001, AAS began warning the City that it could be perceived to be responsible for an attack by a desocialized yard dog, at the time we appeared before council to speak to City staff's report to council. Staff's report recommended that the City do nothing about the problem of desocialized and neglected dogs in Vancouver. (Our address to City Council: http://www.animaladvocates.com/ITSTIME-AddresstoVancouverCityCouncil-Sept20-2001.PDF)

At the City's insistence, the SPCA investigated some of the dogs featured in our report. On April 23, 2002, the SPCA submitted a report that was devoid of useful information. http://www.animaladvocates.com/ITSTIME-ECCLES-REPORT.PDF.

It has been our experience that complaints of perceived dogs neglect are reported first to the Vancouver SPCA, and then possibly to the City pound. We recommend that you ask to view the Vancouver SPCA's records of complaints.

Judy Stone
President, Animal Advocates Society of BC