On Saturday March 26 I was doing my usual Saturday afternoon visits with the animals at the Nanaimo SPCA.

When I was there a familiar cat was brought in and placed in a cat cage in the adoption room. The ex-owner was with her and she left Susie's blanket and some toys. Susie was adopted from the SPCA about a year ago and she was a really sweet-natured friendly girl in excellent condition.

Why would anybody return this cat? The ex-owner explained to Kevin, the SPCA staff member, that the family had a new addition. They had recently purchased a 6 month-old boxer puppy. Susie had scratched the pup's face. So Susie had to go, even though she had been in the home well before the pup's arrival. The owner kept on saying what a wonderful cat Susie was as she was dumped in the cage. I wonder if any attempt was made to train the young playful dog or if the family had done any research about boxers.

I couldn't resist asking the ex-owner how she decided which one of her pets should be disposed of. Of course she couldn't answer that. Obviously she had signed the surrender form, which gives the SPCA permission to euthanise Susie.

This culture of animals being expendable, just another thing to dump when something better comes along, is appalling. How to educate people that this is a really cruel thing to do I do not know.

Of course it puts the SPCA in a real dilemma. If they don't accept this cat, or any other animal in similar circumstances, would the owners make more effort or would they just dump the animal by the highway to fend for herself or have her euthanised?

I know this happens frequently, but it makes me furious every time. New babies, moving, we've heard every rotten excuse in the book. Obviously there should be much more education given to owners about the responsibilities of pet ownership. Pre-screening of potential "adopters" is essential. No animal should ever just be handed over with no checks. Maybe a surrender fee should be charged.

I wish that I had all the answers!

Susie in her lovely SPCA cell....