July 22, 2004
Attention: Ethics Committee, BCSPCA
Big Heart Rescue (BHR) has been soliciting answers and information from Mr. Daniell, CEO, BCSPCA, regarding the deaths of six dogs at the Surrey SPCA in March 2004. ( http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl/read/5063) As of this writing there has not been a response to BHR since May 17th, 2004 ( http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl/read/5502), nor has the communication between Big Heart Rescue and the Board of Directors of the BCSPCA been acknowledged nor addressed.
At this time, and in consideration of the newly adopted BCSPCA Code of Ethics, BHR is formally filing a complaint against the CEO, Mr. Daniell and the Board of Directors of the BC SPCA for breach of the following Code of Ethics sections:
PRINCIPLED BEHAVIOUR
“We are open, honest, and transparent in our relationships with our staff, volunteers, and the public. We strive to treat each other and those we serve, including the animals, with integrity, respect, and compassionate caring."
BHR has requested data and facts regarding the deaths of six dogs at the Surrey SPCA. The CEO and the SPCA BoD have not been open, honest and transparent in their relationship with BHR and the demonstrated lack of communication indicates that respect most certainly is not being applied to this situation.
PARTNERSHIPS
“By forming partnerships and strategic alliances with those who share our respect for animals, we can accomplish more than any of us can do on our own”
BHR has attempted to work with the SPCA in order to save lives and enhance the opportunity for rehabilitation of companions who find themselves within the confines of the SPCA system. When attempting to be of assistance to the most medically fragile and “special needs” companions we have been meet with resistance and silence by management and the BoD.
LEADERSHIP
“By demonstrating courage, as well as compassion, knowledge and wisdom, we exercise leadership in the protection and promotion of animal welfare”.
There has been no demonstration of knowledge, courage, compassion, wisdom or leadership when the SPCA BoD and Mr. Daniell refuse to communicate with an “approved” rescue group which has clearly provided ample opportunity for this to take place.
*Note: Big Heart Rescue will not complete the new application process to become an "approved rescue"
http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl/read/5862
LEARNING
“We honour the need to grow and learn, using the best possible evidence to guide improvements and constantly evaluate the impact of our work”
BHR has provided evidence of branch mismanagement within the Surrey SPCA and attempted to make suggestions for organizational improvements so needless deaths do not continue. Yet we have been dismissed and are again faced with silence from the SPCA BoD and the CEO.
RESPONSIBILITY
"We believe that animal welfare is not solely the responsibility of organizations like the BCSPCA. It is a matter of individual and community responsibility. We are committed to working with individuals and communities, through educational and other initiatives, to promote greater responsibility for animal welfare at the community level."
Big Heart Rescue is a grass roots community rescue organization that has provided educational programs, low or no cost spay and neuter programs, free vaccination and health check clinics, extensive medical intervention for companions in need and in-home behavioural rehabilitation. This is all done at the community level and while BHR acknowledges our roles and responsibilities both as individuals and as an ethical rescue organization, the SPCA refuses to communicate and become transparent with a rescue group that was (yes, past tense) of assistance to your organization.
ACCOUNTABILITY
"We strive to be accountable in order to deserve the trust of those we serve. We measure, track,and report regularly on what we have achieved as well as on what we have not."
Big Heart Rescue has requested accountability and facts as to why six dogs lost their lives in Surrey, as to why foster homes were not solicited for these animals, as to why management at the Surrey facility requested Willy’s body to be removed from Alouette Animal Hospital, (http://www.animaladvocates.com/Watchdog/SurreyKills6dogs.htm), as to why the Surrey SPCA refused a rescue groups offer of assistance, and as to why Mr. Daniell feels the subject is closed when very clearly it is not. It is written that "in order to deserve the trust of those we serve” you must be accountable." But there no accountability.
Though Mr. Daniell and the SPCA BoD may wish for this entire issue to quietly go away, it will not. It will not, until there are answers to questions, facts presented and accountability for the needless loss of life that transpired in March 2004 at the Surrey SPCA.
Big Heart Rescue does anticipate a response from the Ethics Committee regarding this correspondence and a swift resolution to our concerns.
Gail Moerkerken
President
Big Heart Rescue