To the BCSPCA Board of Directors:

The serious problem of unregulated breeding and unaltered cats and dogs are the main reasons the SPCA continues to kill healthy cats and dogs as a means of population control. Too many animals, not enough homes.

There are cases of SPCA employees, including Branch Managers, CAC Presidents and BCSPCA Board Directors, who are actively involved in backyard breeding of dogs.

This is a conflict of interest when the SPCA publicly states it is concerned with pet over-population, yet permits these people affiliated with the organization to add to the problem. On one hand the SPCA shelters are killing homeless animals, and on the other hand the SPCA people are profiting from breeding more.

The SPCA needs a policy that prohibits anyone associated with the SPCA organization to be involved in breeding of cats and dogs.

If you are serious about improving the situation of homeless animals and the effectiveness of the SPCA, it is imperative that all SPCA employees, board directors, veterinarians and sponsoring businesses (e.g. business name on SPCA vehicles, etc...) are aware of such a policy. The policies are the fabric of the organization and what it stands for. It should be mandatory for all employees, directors and contracted vets to pledge to honour all these policies. Only then, will you attract people with higher standards and ethical principles.

I also urge the SPCA to lobby for provincial laws to licence and regulate the breeding of cats and dogs, and to impose strict guidelines to monitor the business of pet stores which profit from the breeding, buying and selling of animals.

Sincerely,

Connie Mahoney,
Kelowna