Victoria Cat Rescue Corps Society recently sent a letter to the Victoria Manager of the SPCA demanding that the SPCA stop referring the public to the cat group for routine spay/neuters and medical assistance without also lending a helping hand.

Our group in North Vancouver, Pacific Animal Foundation (PAF), has also been the recipient of calls from the public because the SPCA recommended callers to us to deal with feral cat problems. Again, there have been no offers of assistance from the SPCA to help us, and it is our understanding that the SPCA does not even have a coherent feral cat plan.

Perhaps the answer as to why the SPCA's around the Province so often refer the public to the small private rescue groups lies in the BC SPCA's Strategic Plan for 2002 - 2006. It is found on their website at: http://www.spca.bc.ca/help/StrategicPlan-Final-May02.PDF

On page 44, under point 2.5 - Direct Service Provision, the Plan states that "Strategically, we believe that where it makes sense the BC SPCA must find ways, from both a philosophical and a resource point of view, to shift from a service delivery strategy that may at times have had unintended consequences, i.e. fostering community dependency on the BC SPCA and similar organizations."

If the intention is to shift FROM a service delivery strategy, WHO is supposed to provide it ?

If the SPCA is unable or unwilling to be the DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDER in such basics as spay/neuter and some medical assistance, then, if the SPCA wishes to maintain its position as the official agency in charge of animal welfare in the Province, its mandate should include mapping out and executing a viable, alternative strategy. Working in co-operation with responsible private rescue groups could be a positive alternative - BUT the SPCA needs to take fiscal responsibility as it is collecting money from the public on the pretext that it is carrying out the work.

The SPCA Strategic Plan talks about how it should demonstrate a "high level of respect for other organizations" and how these other organizations "might be in a better position to provide high quality direct service". The following is a quote from one part of the Strategic Plan Recommendations at the bottom of that section: Explore ways . . . "to begin shifting the organization's role from that of being a direct service provider to becoming more of a catalyst and enabler of services".

Passing the buck with no offer of financial assistance is not respect !

If the SPCA is unable to handle a specific situation or the numbers are overwhelming, there needs to be a well orchestrated back-up plan which isn't propelled by crisis. Establishing a respectful working relationship with rescue groups was recommended by the Independent Panel in the Community Consultation Report, November 2001.

The groups are active and doing their best with limited funds, but there needs to be an arrangement to help defray costs incurred. At the very least, sponsoring a spay/neuter, vaccination and flea treatment should be a basic package paid for by the SPCA. If the all-volunteer groups are to spend their own time, efforts and money on behalf of these referrals, then the SPCA can and should do its part.

Lana Simon,
President

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