Rick Sargent,
President, BC SPCA

Dear Mr Sargent,

As an animal lover and having been associated with the S.P.C.A through adoptions and fostering I am deeply concerned with what I am reading and hearing in regards to euthanizing of rescue dogs. I'm not even going to touch on the very controversial CAMP programme. On the whole I have been impressed with the service and the caring of those I have been in contact with at the Victoria, Cowichan, Prince George, and Dawson Creek branches. (As well as Vancouver and Richmond shelters many yrs ago when I lived on the lower mainland.) When I wrote a letter recently concerning two senior dogs looking for a home together I received a nice letter from Diane Hart thanking me for my concern and that she would like to have someone like me being involved with the Victoria SPCA . I would love to be more involved with the SPCA but I cannot be part of a Society that contradicts it's title of preventing cruelty but rather, inflicting cruelty as is the case in Kamloops of late. I have also been made aware that many reports of animal cruelty are not acted on and excuses made in not removing dogs from deplorable situations. I don't want to believe such practices are occurring but more reports are coming to light to support these accusations. What is going on, would you please enlighten me.

I am a rather reserved (young!) senior with a very nice home and garden in a semi rural area, and always respect my neighbors by keeping my animals under control. It therefore came as a surprise to many that I would become so involved with foster care but to date I have fostered over 25 dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities, (exception is pitbull and p/b X ) in addition to numerous cats for the SPCA , rescue groups, and through individuals who have learned of my fostering by word of mouth. Having a large house and garden as well as enclosed decks and the advantage of working from a home office enables me to offer the kind of attention and guidance many of these animals need. Though there are trials and tribulations all have been success stories so far. As I have three dogs of my own I usually limit fostering to one dog at a time, but in an emergency I am able to take more. I consider the Kamloops situation an emergency but from the documentation I have seen there was no shortage of foster homes and adoption applications from near and far few of which were contacted I understand. Where finances allow I would probably have the support of the Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders should a home be needed to accommodate some of the numerous dogs in SPCA shelters which would benefit from a loving foster home.

I would appreciate a reply from someone who will inform me honestly as to the status of the Kamloops seized and surrendered dogs of neglect remaining in their care. I need to know whether I am am supporting a compassionate or discompassionate organization in the name of SPCA . I am not a member of any rescue or animal advocate group, but do by best with what I have to alleviate the suffering of animals.
Sincerely,
Maureen G Brady