It's enheartening to hear of this working somewhere. A while ago, I exchanged several emails with, first, the Maple Ridge SPCA manager and then the BC SPCA manager of operations. I wanted to know what their policy is on euthanasia -- what circumstances mean an animal must be euthanized. Despite repeated, polite emails clarifying my question, I never did receive an answer.

The issue came up when two cats were euthanized at the Maple Ridge SPCA who would previously have been transferred to a rescue group. One had been adopted and was returned a mere week later for peeing outside the litter pan. This cat had used the pan before, and also in a foster home. She was a friendly, gentle little cat. But she was euthanized rather than allowing a willing rescue group to work with her.

The other was an older cat who I understood to be in the early stages of renal failure but who was in no distress and still functioned well with life. He was also friendly and gentle. Yet he was euthanized rather than being sent into palliative care with a willing rescue group. The SPCA did not avail itself of the easy opportunity to save these lives.

A new manager had taken over the Maple Ridge shelter. I wanted to sort out what may have been a misunderstanding, a hiccup in operations that needn't be repeated. Yet both SPCA representatives merely demanded to know who had given me my information. It seems apparent that secrecy and control are their priorities. Euthanizing small, trusting souls when that could be avoided did not seem to bother them. I really hoped... but I see no hope for such creatures in their "care".