This is in response to letter to the editor from Madelon Keij of Surrey (‘Who’s preventing cruelty to the animals on the dinner plates?’) in the April 14 edition of the Rossland News.
Dear Madelon,
I understand where you are coming from and in retrospect I should have done better — I should have been conscious of the menu, but I was focussed on organizing a successful fundraiser.
Now that my first one is behind me I will put more effort into these types of details. I, for one, would like to make the whole world vegetarian (or even vegan); however, since that is unrealistic I spread the word (but didn’t do a good job of it this time) that there are humane sources of meat.
When I buy meat I have to know the history of the animal from start to finish — and to know that the animal lived and died humanely. I usually buy from an SPCA-certified source. (I buy from Vale Farms in Lumby.) I’m not sure if you’re aware of the SPCA-certified program? It is aimed at exactly what I am referring to. Check out www.spca.bc.ca/welfare/farm-animal-welfare/spca-certified/
The BCSPCA is always actively pursuing new regulations for the transport of animals and have had a little bit of success (www.spca.bc.ca/news-and-events/news/federal-government-takes.html) but want to see a lot more changes still. Anyway, next time I will source any meat served from an SPCA-certified farm — it would also be a good way of raising awareness for the welfare of farm animals.
As for funding, first of all, I should have clarified that I was specifically referring to the lack of provincial government funding, since I was talking about the BCSPCA’s legal obligation to enforce the Provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act. The 2010 financial reports have not been posted yet, but the 2009 report is at www.spca.bc.ca/assets/documents/about/governance-documents/2009-management-discussion.pdf
Quoting from this document:
“Provincial Government Grants: In 2009, provincial government grants totalled $250k as a direct access grant from gaming funds. In both 2007 and 2008, provincial government grants totalled $325k, $250k from gaming funds and $75k as a training grant for Special Provincial Constables.”
After 2010 the BCSPCA has been informed that they will no longer be getting the $250,000 gaming fund grant. The $75,000 was discontinued in 2009, although on April 5 (after the initial article had appeared in the Rossland News) the BCSPCA received the good news of a one-time grant of $100,000 from the provincial government.
I am involved with the BCSPCA because I truly believe it is an excellent organization. No organization is perfect, but they are constantly striving for perfection. I appreciate your comments.
Sue Wrigley
Rossland