The dog that is being spoken of by Richard Green lost its life, not due to aggression, but because there was no space for a single dog in a kennel. This dog had been chained for the majority of its life with no room for escape when loose males constantly attempted to breed with her and she reacted when yet another dog was placed in a confined space with her.

SPCA over crowding, staff's lack of understanding and ignorance killed this dog, not aggressive behaviour.

Mr. Green continues to state that, "In the event that the manager cannot find room then he is to contact the Director of Field Operations who will in turn try to find space. The Director would then approach the C.E.O. for direction. The policy was enacted in 2000 and since that time we have not euthanized a dog for the sole reason of space".

This statement is in contradiction of what Mr. Daniell (BC SPCA CEO) told Big Heart Rescue board members during a meeting in April 2004.

Mr. Daniell noted that it is unfortunate but yes, the SPCA does still kill for space and cited the Prince George SPCA as an example of where killing for space still occurs.

It appears that there is much confusion on SPCA policy and that there is a definite lack of communication between the Board of Directors of the SPCA and the CEO when providing information and direction to field staff, front line workers and volunteers.

Gail Moerkerken