Re: 8196 “Austin”
Victoria SPCA

To: D. Brimacombe, CEO, BCSPCA, BCSPCA Board of Directors, Victoria SPCA Community Advisory Council and B. Houlihan, Manager, Victoria SPCA

On Tuesday, March 5, 2002 “Austin”was brought to the Elk Lake Veterinary by the SPCA for medical reasons and subsequent hospitalization as a result of a neck injury from a chain imbedded in his neck. He was hospitalized for a number of days due to the severity of the injury, but survived and was subsequently placed at the Victoria SPCA for adoption.

On March 14, 2002 the information to adopt “Austin” was posted on the Victoria SPCA website. It described “Austin” as a young, neutered Malamute cross. His disposition was described as a “wonderful, sweet, happy and outgoing”, “nice personality”, “happy to meet new friends”. Volunteers said he was “lovely”, “sweet”, “very friendly”, “knew basic obedience commands” and that he was a “nice boy to walk”.

On Friday, June 7, 2002 “Austin” was euthanized.

While the euthanization may not have been in secrecy, it has frankly been impossible to find out what happened. There doesn’t appear to be any evidence that he was in ill-health or distress. Actually, it was just a mere 3 weeks earlier that “Austin” along with other dogs was in attendance and available for adoption at the Victoria SPCA Pet Fair!

I hope that you will investigate and provide a response to what occurred in this situation. In addition to why “Austin” was euthanized, could you please advise:

1. If any medical treatment was required and what treatment was provided.

2. If any further training was required and what training was provided.

3. If there was a subsequent and recent assessment completed and if the new assessment format was used?

We look forward to receiving a prompt response to our inquiry. I do hope that you can appreciate that those of us who were following Austin’s progress were shocked to learn that he was no longer alive.

Sincerely yours,

Anita Horne

Vancouver Island Animal Welfare Foundation