From the BC SPCA web site: Code of Ethics: 4.3 Conflict of Interest
We will avoid creating or becoming involved in situations which give rise to a conflict of interest or which may be reasonably perceived as a conflict of interest. We will disclose any conflict between our personal interests and the interests of the BCSPCA and resolve such conflicts in a transparent manner. We will not engage in any activity or transaction, hold any position or perform any function, whether paid or unpaid, that is incompatible with or detracts from the proper performance of our duties, and that may bring the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals into disrepute.
The Nanaimo SPCA cannot take in dogs from high kill facilities in BC (like the Prince George SPCA) since kennel space and resources are now being used for these pure-bred hound puppies brought up from Mississippi to the Nanaimo SPCA by an SPCA staff member.
Did these pups get checked for heartworm before coming up? Mississippi has the 6th highest heartworm incidence in all of the US states. If they were not properly checked, that puts BC dogs here at risk for contracting this deadly disease, especially since we commonly don't treat BC dogs year round for heartworm due to our colder climate. http://msucares.com/news/print/cvm/cvm00/000522cl.htm
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mosquitoes may be a summertime nuisance to people, but their threat of transmitting heartworms to dogs is year round in Mississippi.
"Unlike the North, where it is common for dogs to be given heartworms prevention during the spring and summer and not in the winter, southeastern weather is not cold long enough to kill mosquitoes, which are heartworm carriers. This means that those who live in the Southeast should treat our dogs with heartworm protection all year long," said Dr. Cory Langston, clinical pharmacologist at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
The states with the highest number of positive tests were as follows:
Top 10 Reporting
Heartworm States
# of Positive Dogs
# of Positive Cats % of Clinics Reporting Per State
1. Texas 38,535 362 64%
2. Florida 29,749 743 78%
3. Louisiana 18,700 158 74%
4. North Carolina 17,338 200 79%
5. Georgia 13,896 133 64%
6. Mississippi 11,522 107 73%
7. Tennessee 10,324 39 92%
8. South Carolina 9,387 131 79%
9. Alabama 9,308 95 83%
10. Indiana 8,348 107 73%