Here is a copy of the letter I sent to the editors of 24 Newspapers, from Victoria to Campbell River, and several in Vancouver area. Hopefully, one will get printed.

Dear Editor:

The following is a letter I hope you will publish. It concerns a battle being
waged by thousands of BC citizens. Each statement and quote has been taken from published sites and letters directly from Mr. Daniell, Manager, Cruelty Investigations, at the BC SPCA.

I am aware that this letter is lengthy, but the issue is of such importance to so many, I hope you will be able to consider it for a time when there will be space. If this is not possible, perhaps you would print it as an actual
article. I am available for contact, should you need any more information.

I thank you for your attention and interest.
Diane Esther
497 Oakdowne Rd., Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2G1

Can't someone help these dogs?

Chained to a line, only able to walk 6 feet back and forth - not sideways -
barely enough length to lie on the ground. Day in, day out, all night; rain,
heat, cold the only companion. This is the life of thousands of dogs in BC,
SPCA says it can't intervene, can only make 'recommendations' that the
owner throw a tarp over a frame to form a little tent. Has it got food and
water? Yes? Then there's nothing they can do. But is that true? The
mandate of the BC SPCA includes the following 5 Freedoms:

*Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
*Freedom from discomfort
*Freedom from pain, injury and disease
*Freedom from distress
*Freedom to express behaviour that promotes well-being.

By their own definitions, distress refers to 'a negative state such as anxiety,
fear, and being deprived of stimulations, resulting in negative emotions
such as depression, frustration or boredom.' What could possibly be more
depressing and boring than being confined by a chain 24/7?
Do you love a dog? Is your best buddy kept prisoner in your yard until you
decide to say Hi and give him a pat on the head on your way to your car, if it
isn't raining, and you're not too late for work? If you think that not even a
dog should be treated that way, please help us make changes in their lives.
Here's how:

Mr. Craig Daniell is the General Manager, Cruelty Investigations of the BC
SPCA. He needs to hear from you. Show him how many true animal lovers
are out here, waiting to lend your support to his work and the changes he is
attempting to make. Show him (and the Courts) that the rights to all 5
freedoms are to be taken much more seriously. Tell him you are even
willing to put your convictions on the line, to testify in court if need be, to
set a precedent case for this type of abuse. The prosecutors need to
understand more clearly what is truly neglect, and make laws that demand
that owners care for their animals adequately, or be suitably punished. By
their own admission, the SPCA has not used adequate guidelines to define
neglect, and must now do so, with your insistence and assistance.
Mr. Daniell's address is: BC SPCA, 1245 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
V5T 1R1, or e-mail: cdaniell@spca.bc.ca
I thank you on behalf of all the animals you will save from their dark lives.

Diane Esther.
Qualicum Beach, BC