I agree with your statement (" and feel betrayed by the SPCA's lack of response and initiatives in addressing the issues of cruelty, "backyard" breeders, chained dogs, caged pets, exotic animals, feral cats, spay/neuter programs etc.") regarding the feelings of many people across our province. I believe that the answer to your question is "because they can".

I am not aware of a current, updated petition which is available for the members of the donating public and others you refer to for signature through the power of the Internet. I believe that those who have contributed money to the BC SPCA for the care of animals deserve the opportunity to demand that their money be utilized solely for that purpose. There are many people whom I am sure share your opinion but for reasons of their own have not expressed their opinion in letter form. Those people and confirmation of their expectations are often more readily accessible through circulation of a petition, which I hope will be part of the preparation by AAS to show support for the animals in regard to the pending legal action.