Write the SPCA. Ask it to use its power to help TINA. Copy and past this letter and send it to the BC SPCA.
To: Craig Daniell,
Acting CEO/Manager Cruelty Investigations,
BC SPCA
cdaniell@spca.bc.ca
cc: to office@animaladvocates.com
Dear Mr.Daniell,
Can you please tell me if the BCSPCA will seize Tina the elephant, under Section 24(1) of the PCA Act, and by applying the Five Freedoms? Tina has been suffering from foot disease for at least seven years ( physical distress), and from boredom and loneliness which is exhibited by her abnormal swaying and head tossing. Surely this constitutes psychological distress as defined by the Five Freedoms? As well, Tina has NOT been enjoying the freedom to express herself in a natural manner to promote well being, for 31 years since arriving at the zoo. Even the Greater Vancouver Zoo admits this fact.
The BCSPCA has said through the media, that it is against moving Tina to the Bowmanville Zoo, and other animal welfare experts have publicly stated that only the BCSPCA has the power to step in and prevent this.
Please use your power to seize Tina and make arrangements to send her to the Tennessee Sanctuary.
(Your name and municipality)
The BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act:
Section 24 (1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act states that a “person responsible for an animal who causes or permits the animal to be or to continue to be in distress commits an offence”.
Subsection (2) of the Act states that “subsection (1) does not apply if the distress results from an activity that is carried out in accordance with reasonably accepted practices of animal management”.
The Act then goes on to state that “an animal is in distress if it is :deprived of adequate food, water, or shelter,injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or abused or neglected”.
The BCSPCA's Five Freedoms:
1. Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
2. Freedom from pain, injury and discomfort
3. Freedom from disease
4. Freedom from distress
5. Freedom to express behaviours that promote well being