The situation you described relates to the importance of actually taking action, rather than remaining at the talk and print stage in the process of program development. The printed words and photos in the SPCA brochures are meaningless without action that provides a much needed and valued service.

The BCSPCA, in publicizing a program, whether it be safety from violence, foster home recruitment, or rescue and rehabilitation, fails animals and on occasion fails victims of violence by not producing what it claims to offer. With the link between domestic violence and abuse of family pets being well established, the closing of a door at a time of crisis may well be the final disappointment which results in overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and isolation, sending the victims back into the home with the abuser.

If the President, Board of Directors, or Administrators of the BCSPCA have a background in education, they will know that the development of a program initially necessitates creation and documentation of a clearly defined set of needs, goals or objectives, and outcomes. These outcomes must be stated in such a way that they can be evaluated in measurable terms in order to determine the success of the program and to identify changes if any are needed.

When a woman who approaches the BCSPCA for assistance due to a violent situation is denied help, the closing door can only indicate that the BCSPCA is not prepared or willing to give validation to the victims or to the seriousness of the problem. This is not acceptable and is in fact emotionally and potentially physically damaging to human and animal victims when the BCSPCA quite clearly states that the link exists.

I believe that the foundation of this program, meaning the documented set of goals, objectives, outcomes and evaluation tools, have not been well prepared and are not ready to be put into practice as we are led to believe. I hope that the BC SPCA is aware that a family fleeing violence does not have the time or capability in the midst of a crisis to wait while SPCA staff scramble to haphazardly create a band-aid solution to a life-threatening problem, or worse, to have the helping hand it claims to extend, be withdrawn.

As this is merely my opinion, I welcome and hope for correction and an opportunity to view the documentation of detailed planning which is available in support of the programs which are listed on the BCSPCA web site. For clarification, I am not referring to written information related to a business plan for the provision of a boarding kennel. I am referring to the voluntary partnership among a variety of community resources concerned with the growing rate of family violence and the often severe consequences to humans and animals of remaining in a dangerous situation.

I am saddened by the fact that a woman was turned away from a resource she believed would be of assistance. The BCSPCA needs to address this situation publicly, so that communities throughout the province will have a clear expectation of help which is available on a consistent basis. Educating members of a community will provide accountability for the BCSPCA as well as give those who so choose, the opportunity to serve animals, with the added bonus of knowing they are also helping to keep adults and children in their community safe.

It is time to move forward to the action stage in the Violence Link Project. Is the BCSPCA ready to take the necessary steps to put this program in place across the province? If the answer is yes, then let us see the plans in action. If the answer is no, a group of dedicated people in each community is needed as soon as possible to get the ball rolling. Further delay is not an option.

Gail Ferraro
Vernon, BC