(Letter #1 Re:Breeding/ear cropping by staff)

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. You may be assured I will raise this matter with the Society's CEO, and ask that it be addressed.

The Board of Directors has adopted a policy of not dealing with operational or staffing matters. Problems such as the one you have raised are now under the exclusive purview of the CEO, and so any investigation and action will have to be initiated by him.

I agree that we should not be hiring or retaining in our employ individuals who, in their private lives or businesses, do not substantially comply with the major policies and fundamental expectations of the Society. Therefore, I hope that the circumstances you have brought forward are investigated and, if warranted, acted upon decisively. However, I also hope you will agree that our Society's employees are entitled to the benefit of due process, and that a proper investigation should be undertaken prior to any action being taken. I firmly believe that any decisions in a matter this important should be taken based on facts, and that the individual in question should be given the opportunity to reply to the allegations.

I cannot speak for the board of directors on this matter, and so please accept these comments as my opinion only.

Again, thank you for caring enough to take the time to bring this matter to my attention, and I hope you will continue to keep me informed.

(Letter #2)
The following represents my views alone, and does not necessarily represent the views of the BC SPCA or its Board of Directors.

The practice of not dealing with operational issues has evolved since this board's inception in April. It was adopted "in principle" as a policy through a motion passed at the last meeting on July 5th. It will not be an official policy until a final draft is ratified, and so I apologize for not being more clear in my language.

The BoD adopted this practice after considering recommendations from the CEO and a presentation by management consultant Tom Abbott. The package of protocols that have been adopted in principle were derived from the consultant's presentation. We have been advised that this is standard practice for boards of other major, successful non-profit societies. In practice, it is simply not possible for a board to deal with all day-to-day operational issues, and if the BoD cannot trust the day-to-day operations of the Society to the CEO, then we have the wrong CEO.

That said, and please note this is my personal opinion only, I agree with you that the board must retain some ability to deal with operational issues if they are of sufficient importance, if only to effectively discharge its obligation to monitor the CEOs performance. Similarly, I believe the board should retain some role in personnel decisions regarding senior staff.

Changing the policy is fully within the discretion of the BoD. The CEO makes recommendations only, and has no authority to compel the BoD to adopt or rescind any policy.

Emma, may I ask if you are a member of the Society? I'm sure you will understand that I receive a high volume of correspondence regarding the Society, and so I am forced to prioritize my responses.

(Letter #3)
I hope that you will reconsider a membership with the SPCA. Without members who are willing to express their concerns, nothing will ever change. We need people dedicated to animal welfare, and who are interested in the governance of the Society. For the price of a membership you will have a vote, and the right to put your views to the electoral test. You will also have the opportunity to run for elected office.

Although I understand your concerns, I also hope you will one day again have sufficient confidence in us to donate. For my part, I will work hard to recover your trust, and that of other people like you who have similar concerns. I still believe the BC SPCA is the best vehicle for helping animals in our province.

If I can answer any more questions, or be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to write.