From the BCSPCA Animal Sense Spring/Summer 2003 in reference to the seizure of 15 primates (and 88 other animals) from a collector in Kaslo BC on Nov 31/03:

"We wouldn't even consider giving these animals to someone to put in a private collection,"says Daniell. "Any facility considered for taking them would be subject to the most scrupulous inspection. We really have to get past the idea of people keeping these animals as pets. If we can begin shifting people's behaviours and putting increased pressure on government to legislate the issue properly, I think we'll be successful in dramatically reducing the cruelty inflicted on wild and exotic animals in Canada."

Daniell's spoken words are exactly right. But behind the scenes a different attitude is seen at work...

On a TV newscast last night, Hugh Coghill, manager of the Surrey SPCA at the time of the impoundment of the primates seized from Kaslo, said that the SPCA has spent $100,000 on "care" for the primates. Viewers were shown a converted garage in Surrey with the macaques in a wire enclosure.

But Coghill told a different story to the director of Mindy's Memory Sanctuary in Oklahoma when the SPCA was considering sending the macaques to the sanctuary, and he objected to ponying up some money to help the sanctuary cope with life-time care. He also hinted that if it was going to be so much trouble to seize primates that the SPCA may just euthanize them next time.

Coghill told the director that the SPCA "had received "very generous donations" as a result of the 'Primate Rescue Fund' " it launched after the seizure.

So, where did the money, that donators believed was for the seized primates, go?

In December 2003, the SPCA was considering sending the macaques to Mindy's Memory Sanctuary in Oklahoma. This letter, from Hugh Coghill, the then manager of the Surrey SPCA where the macaques were being held, was sent to Linda Barcklay, the director of Mindy's Memory Sanctuary.

-----Original Message-----
From: Hugh Coghill [mailto:hcoghill@spca.bc.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2003 1:42 PM
To: Mindysmem@aol.com
Subject: RE: FW: FW: permit info

I can also tell you that our CEO has advised me that we can pledge $10,000 to you to help with the primates. We may not be able to send it all at once, but you will get it, once the permit issue has been resolved and we are sure this transaction can happen.

I have to tell you that finances have been a serious issue for the BC SPCA lately. We had a 4.5 million dollar deficit for 2002 and 2003 is not looking much better. We have had to lay off over 20 employees recently and shelter closures have not been ruled out.

This is all "short term pain for long term gain". In light of the difficulties we have faced with these primates, I suspect that future seizures of similar species will force us to consider euthanasia as a more serious option.

I hope that we can eventually see these macaques in your care.

Thanks,

Hugh (Coghill)