"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."

Thank you Gail, for your post on the SPCA breaching its Code of Ethics.

I run a small cat rescue group on Saltspring Island, formed to help feral cats, branching out now to help in other cases where the SPCA won't bother.

We have a small, but well funded SPCA that deals only with cats and rabbits.

In March of this year, I went to the local SPCA to ask who the new CAC members are. The staff person replied that she did not know, but phoned me that night to say that she would not tell me who they are (with the exception of the chairperson) as she had spoken with 2 former CAC chairpeople and had been told that I "ask questions that no-one wants to answer."

She then proceeded to tell me that I am "not allowed" to speak with any of the CAC or any other volunteers at any time, about anything. She said that I will only be allowed on the premises when a staff person is present (given that the shelter is physically run by volunteers this would limit availability).

It is not "open, accountable and transparent behaviour" on the part of the SPCA, when it attempts to control my questions, and who I speak to.

It is not acceptable for it to take only questions that it finds flattering.

Lyn MacDonald
Friends For Cats
Saltspring Island