As a child growing up in Vancouver, BC, my father worked across the street from the Vancouver SPCA on 7th Ave. It was from this facility our family proudly brought animals home to join our household because, as my father said, we need to help animals who need us. Our family supported the SPCA and I continued this dedication as I began my own family. The years passed and as I became more involved in the world of animal welfare I began to hear rumblings of negativity in regards to the BC SPCA that I could not understand. Members of my new animal rescue community were discussing needless euthanasia, killing for space, lack of medical treatment for animals in need, disregard for basic food, shelter and water within SPCA facilities and lack of action for animals in distress.

It wasn’t until 1998 that the realization of what my definition of humane treatment of animals was and the definition of the SPCA collided. This is when I witnessed two dogs in Maple Ridge who were chained 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, in filth, mud, snow, heat, cold and rain. When I called the SPCA to report these dogs I was assured that a staff member would attend and report back to me. The staff member did not report back and when I called to follow-up it was explained that these dogs had food, (sometime) these dogs had water, (sometime) and these dogs had a form of shelter (sometimes). This was unacceptable for me and thus the search began to find assistance for these innocent lives who knew nothing of love, safety and a kind hand. I found that help outside the largest animal welfare agency in British Columbia, through a small organization named Animal Advocates Society and to this day I am grateful for their advocacy work.

What added to my ever-increasing disillusionment with the SPCA was when my family adopted a dog from the Maple Ridge SPCA in Dec. 2000. (http://www.animaladvocates.com/gail-moerkerken.htm ) Jake was suffering from thyroid disease, yeast, bacterial, pad, and skin infections. This dog survived for five weeks without medical treatment while in the confines of the SPCA facility and I can only imagine the pain he had suffered prior to my family purchasing him. He was sold to us because we could pay the fee, no home check was completed, no screening of references, and no guidance on treatment for an animal that could barely walk.

The stories continue daily, the dogs and cats that have suffered and died within SPCA facilities are too many to name but their stories are etched on my heart, their horrifying pictures are memories never to be forgotten and those charged with care and compassion for the voiceless have long ago lost my support. Until the management of the BC SPCA, an organization that is fuelled by donor dollars and provincial funding, is truly proactive in managing a responsible and ethical business, my loyalties, skills and support will remain with those who truly do make a difference for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Gail Moerkerken,
President of Big Heart Rescue, and Defendant in the law suit being brought against AAS posters and directors by the BC SPCA, in BC Supreme Court, for alleged defamation)
Gabriola Island