To the Editor,
Re: Help needed to care for emaciated dogs, March 6.
The B.C. SPCA mission statement is: “To protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in British Columbia.”
This noble statement indicates how far the society has drifted from its founding mission: “Prevention of cruelty to animals.”
The subject article referenced appeals for donations to fund the rehabilitation of these dogs, even to the extent of “partial amputation and reconstructive surgery”.
One of the puppies “requires” this, I read.
I wonder if forcing this puppy to live as an amputee can be considered enhancement of its quality of life.
Personally, I find this cruel to the animal.
In my case, I have twice adopted a dog from a shelter, both of which gave us great pleasure for many years. We also seem to always have a cat or two.
And each time it broke my heart when it became time to end their lives.
As our pets are totally dependent on us for their quality of life, I believe it was my duty to them, rather than to force them to live miserably for my selfishness.
I believe the SPCA should focus its efforts and spend its money on cruelty prevention, not on keeping animals alive at whatever cost.
Visiting their shelters, seeing so many animals in cages and knowing they’ll be there a long time is a depressing and saddening experience.
Better to put the poor animals out of their misery and use the funds instead to enforce the laws and prosecute offenders.
J. (Hans) Keijser
Nanaimo