I have just reviewed the “In Memory” information that is published on the Burnaby SPCA’s website and I am extremely disillusioned (again) by what was written about six loving dogs that have been euthanized due to institutional and psychological induced illness while languishing in their cells of isolation at the SPCA.

Amra, Miko, Rosie, Parker, Buddy and Kim all have something in common. One way or another each of these precious dogs arrived at the SPCA and the outcome for these six who had been confined, isolated and imprisoned, is death.

Had there been a wide network of skilled foster homes throughout BC that the SPCA had cultivated would these dogs still be alive today? I would strongly suggest that the answer would be a resounding yes! If the SPCA had put effort and focus on individual foster home rehabilitation versus caged isolation, the majority, if not all of these dogs would have been given the opportunity for a second chance at life.

Quoting from the Burnaby SPCA site:

Amra was put to rest, as she was dying of a broken heart.

Miko hated the kennel. The confined space, the loneliness, the constant barking of other dogs around him. The stress would well up in Miko, the drool would begin to flow, and he would become physically ill.

Unfortunately, the Sumas Centre suffered an outbreak of the Parvo virus while Rosie was there, and sadly she succumbed to it, along with several other dogs.

The sooner we can get dogs like Parker adopted, the better chance they have of having a second chance at a wonderful life. A wonderful life is what Parker deserved.

Day after day, the stress became too much for Buddy, and eventually he was laid to rest.

Unfortunately for Kim, she spent far too much time waiting for a new home.

The SPCA has contributed to the deaths of these dogs by neglecting to provide appropriate interventions, denying the offers of individuals and rescue groups to assist with fostering and neglecting the very real psychological needs of animals who sadly end up in the provinces largest warehouse for living souls.

Please read the full stories of Amra, Miko, Rosie, Parker and Buddy and decide for yourself if the SPCA organization is living up to its mandate.