Given that current BC SPCA policies support open surrender and allow local branches to enter into pound contracts, killing of dogs in excess of shelter holding capacity is inevitable. One can imagine many ways to choose which dogs will be killed, for example: all dogs over 70 pounds, all black dogs, or all dogs with pointy ears. Most people, though perhaps not all, would recognize these criteria as capricious. Decisions must be made though, the killing must go on as long as an endless stream of new dogs need to be "sheltered".

Because the donating public in BC were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the killing choices made, the SPCA instituted a "Companion Animal Management Program". In a 2 July 2002 press release, Dr. Jamie Lawson, the Chief Animal Health Officer for the BC SPCA, is quoted as saying "As a humane organization we want to use the best tools at our disposal to assess the physical and emotional well being of animals in our care and make sound decisions around their welfare. We now have trained certified assessors across the province using a reliable management system to ensure this happens." Part of this management program, according to the press release, is the use of a "uniform, scientific assessment tool".

What is the science behind the assessment process? More specifically, just what is the assessment process? If it is truly "science-based" then it should be published in peer-reviewed journals. If it is something that the SPCA is proud of, then it should be detailed on their website. Instead, requests for information about the assessment tool have gone unanswered.

No rational person can doubt that the SPCA, in its current state, must kill dogs. Because the CAMP assessment tool is shrouded in mystery, there is suspicion that the "tool" is nothing more than disingenuous pseudo-science designed to fail normal dogs. The obvious conclusion is that the BC SPCA would like the maximum latitude to kill dogs that require behavioral rehabilitation.
Joann Bessler
MSc
AAS Research Co-ordinator