April 8, 2004

Six dogs killed at Surrey SPCA

On March 24th 2004, six dogs were killed at the Surrey SPCA while pathology reports were pending.

On March 15th, 2004, Big Heart Rescue had released into our care from the Surrey SPCA a very ill dog that was in desperate need of human and medical intervention, we named him Willy. On March 21st Willy was in severe medical distress and was admitted to intensive care at Alouette Animal Clinic and was euthanized on March 23rd, 2004.

On March 23rd 2004, the Surrey SPCA was informed by Big Heart Rescue that there was a possible suspicion of distemper, and that we would have a pathology report in 3-5 days. On March 24th, 2004, six dogs were euthanized at the Surrey SPCA and they sent two bodies to Central Labs for necropsy. One of the six dogs who was killed was a senior cocker spaniel who had adoption applications on file and a foster home awaiting her arrival yet she was still euthanized.

Upon receiving the pathology reports, Big Heart Rescue informed the SPCA that Willy's results were negative for distemper and has requested answers from Mr. Robert Busch, SPCA General Manager, Operations, Mr. Craig Daniell, CEO, SPCA, and Ms. Kim Archibald, Branch Manager, Surrey SPCA, as to why six dogs lost their lives while results were being processed. As of this date, no concrete information or data has been provided by any senior management within the SPCA.

The SPCA has been accused of lack of communication, transparency and accountability and though they claim to have reformed, it is clear they have not and animals are needlessly dying within their facilities. The SPCA continues to allow the innocent to die, the seniors to suffer and those with medical needs to go untreated.

Big Heart Rescue refuses to remain silent in the needless killing of six dogs at the Surrey SPCA and though we have been placed on the ?approved rescue list? we were and are faced with lack of cooperation, communication and silence from the SPCA. Silence kills and the SPCA counts on a code of silence that allows for the continuous loss of life.

If community members have facts about needless pain or death inflicted on an SPCA held or adopted animal please contact Big Heart Rescue at: spiritsmission@shaw.ca or superstition@shaw.ca

This information will be compiled and presented to the SPCA.

Together we can help the voiceless, the innocent and those that have found themselves imprisoned within the largest animal welfare agency in BC.

Gail Moerkerken
President
Big Heart Rescue