The last time I was at the Williams Lake Shelter I was less than impressed with what I witnessed. Dogs were tied outside in the heat with over-turned water bowls and some had themselves so tangled on their ties that they only had 2 feet to move. There was no staff there to ensure the animals safety and if there was they ignored the sound of my car horn and my phone calls from outside. You are right... a fenced yard or run is much better than this however it is not ideal. This is not what I would call 'Good work' that the SPCA has done.
I had a problem and I tried to deal with it myself. I sent e-mails when I returned about what I had witnessed and got no response whatsoever. I am disappointed that an SPCA would house animals in the same manner they are supposed to protect them from! This is not ensuring the dogs social, physical, and emotional needs.
Leaving a dog in a yard all day is definitely not in the best interest of the animal. You would not leave a child unattended in a bath tub would you? Dogs are at risk being alone as a toddler is. There are so many dangers that could happen while you are at work. Neighbourhood children taunting them, escaping and being harmed by traffic or getting lost, eating something they shouldn't etc etc. Not to mention the behaviours that may develop like digging, barking, and chewing due to boredom.
I would like to know if the Williams Lake SPCA has stopped tethering dogs as a means of housing?
I look forward to visiting the Williams Lake SPCA this summer and seeing all the improvements if any.