The Editor,
Re: "SPCA's kitten policy denies deserving folk," Letters, Sept. 19.
In response to the above letter, I'd like the opportunity to address the situation from my point of view as manager of the BC SPCA Richmond Education and Adoption Centre.
We understand that our adoption process may not always be understood by everyone, but it is in place for very important reasons.
Many of the animals in our care have been through a lot in their short lives and are getting a second and sometimes third chance at a loving, permanent home.
We owe it to them to do everything we can to make a good match.
With that particular application, some questions had been raised about the previous treatment of their older cat.
I spoke with the applicants and told them I was happy to approve the new adoption, if we could verify with their veterinarian that there was no cause for concern.
They became angry and verbally abusive over the phone, at which point I warned them I would have to hang up if we could not continue the conversation in a calm manner.
In sending an officer to check on the welfare of their cat, about whom the concern had been raised, we were simply doing our due diligence in our role of animal protection.
No one is happier than the SPCA when concerns turn out to be unfounded and we wish the family the very best in the future.
Jennifer York Manager, BC SPCA Richmond Education & Adoption Centre
