No. 187, February 15, 2002

FastTrack - Weekly News Updates from the BC SPCA
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Health Care Directive
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Dr. Jamie Lawson issued an important animal health care directive to all BC SPCA shelters this week under the direction of CEO Doug Brimacombe. It reads in part:

“As custodians and caregivers of sheltered animals our FIRST PRIORITY is to ensure that all animals in our care are not suffering from injury, sickness or pain as per part of the definition of distress in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

It is absolutely incumbent upon us to recognize and take steps to immediately relieve such distress. Upon arrival and continuing during their sheltering period, the basic health of all animals must be assessed and apparent injury or illness recognized.

For these animals appearing injured or sick, a veterinary opinion and, where indicated, treatment must be obtained.”

This directive is to take effect immediately. An operational protocol was also circulated.