I have to respond to the above article that you wrote to dispute the examples you used of instances where dogs have been “stolen” by “dog defenders”.

- Mr. Delisle could have easily prevented his dog from going missing by taking closer look at the rules of the Royal Victoria Marathon (race regulations clearly state that dogs are strictly prohibited) and then leaving his dog in his home (not in a yard).

- The man who “whupped” his dog needs to have his head examined. Abusive behavior towards any living being should not be tolerated in any society and I applaud the people who had the guts to call him on it.

- The “absentminded” person who left their dog tied up outside Thrifty’s for several hours because he/she “forgot”, probably shouldn’t have a dog – who would leave their dog tied up anywhere for any length of time?

It would appear from your article that I am one of those “vigilantes” that you think so poorly of as I will not think twice about picking up an animal that is running loose. Most people are grateful when you let them know you have taken care of their pet for them. But if I return a dog to it’s guardian and they say to me, “oh, he runs away all the time”, I will not hesitate to keep the dog if/when I find it loose again – I will find it a loving home that actually cares about it.

In addition, it is no wonder that people get frustrated with the lack of response from the local pounds and BC’s supposed animal welfare group, the BC SPCA. Just try calling the Victoria SPCA to report a stray or injured animal. You will get “we don’t pick up strays”, or even worse, “we don’t pick up injured strays”. And it gets better; in the Capital Regional District there are umpteen municipalities - all with their own bylaws and pound contracts. So, if you call one to report a stray that you have found, first they ask where you are and then they tell you to call the other pound. Oh, and over the noon hour and after hours – good luck contacting anyone!

I suggest that you let GVAC show you a few real examples of the abused/neglected dogs in this area and then perhaps you will feel compelled to write a factual article about animal abuse and neglect and the people who practice real animal welfare.

One last thing – Mr. Coghill’s statement that identification is the best defense against pet thieves is misleading because 1) people who steal animals don’t care if there is identification or not; and 2) not all facilities check for tattoos or microchips. KEEPING YOUR ANIMALS INDOORS is the best defense against pet thieves - I have two large northern breed dogs (with lots of fur AND identification) and they are the safest (and happiest) in my house with me.