Dear Larry Campbell,

I`m writing you with regards to an urgent matter.

I have been a Vancouver resident for 20 years now and I voted for you and your party because I truly believe in your mandate "fresh ideas, better solutions". I feel that you could actually be that someone who understands the important issues we face today as a society. I believe that you want to make Vancouver an even better city to live in, after all you live here
too.

We need to take better care of each other and of
all of the animals that we choose to take
responsibilty for.

It is with regards to the treatment of animals
in this modern day and age that I`m writing you. I want to see better by-laws to protect and preserve the happiness and welfare of animals and for there to be severe consequences for animals who are abused and neglected. It is far too easy to acquire a dog or a cat for that matter and to have no sense of responsiblity for that animal`s life or its happiness.

It is cruel and inhumane to keep a dog on a chain or in a tiny little pen/garden without shelter for it`s entire life. Many dogs are usually ignored even when they do bark. What purpose is that animal serving? I don`t think it needs much explaining as to why these dogs do sometimes attack if and when they do finally break free. I`d feel angry too. Obviously not everybody is a responsible pet owner, therefore I want to see a new set of by-laws that better serve and protect the happiness and welfare of animals in our
society. Included in that would be a specific set of guidelines of what is required of a pet owner, that doesn`t just list that animals need food and water and shelter, that`s not enough. We need specifics, because people interpret these sort of rules differently.

There must also be greater consequences for animal
abuse and neglect and we must encourage fellow neighbours and friends to report any chained/penned up or abused dogs/animals in their neighbourhoods. We must take action now. If we don`t learn to take care of our animals properly , how can we expect them to perform in a happy and healthy manner. I believe that you are here to make a difference. I am determined to
see a change with regards to this matter. Let`s start to see those "fresh ideas and better solutions" in action!! We can`t continue to kill those dogs who do attack and put the others on an even shorter chain in the hopes that it will never happen again. This is a cruel and narrow minded mentality and it completely disregards the happiness and welfare of the animals involved.

No more chained dogs/animals in Vancouver!! No more abuse and negect!! More responsible pet owners. More happy animals!!

Thank you for your time.

Joely Collins, actress.