Animals in British Columbia do not always have a voice or choice in their treatment by policing authorities. The BC SPCA who have a $108 million surplus from public donations haven't even used half of that to help animals or their struggling guardians in these difficult times.
An example of the dismal lives and conditions that animals must endure was recently documented in an online petition started by Kelly Bunting, West Vancouver SPCA Dogs Endure 14 Hours Alone Each Day. The online petition describes the tragedy that seized animals and other animals are left to endure: "Animals at the West Vancouver BC SPCA are left completely unattended for 14 hours every single day. Staff depart at 5:00 PM and do not return until 7:00 AM the following morning. That is 14 hours that the dogs are left in their kennels with no care or company. Many of the dogs will not soil their kennels, so they have to hold their bodily functions for over 14 hours causing extreme physical discomfort and distress. Furthermore, the facility lacks climate control, exposing animals to uncomfortable temperatures."
Dr. Monica Marcu, who had her purebred German Shepherds and puppies seized from a 100 acre property where the dogs played, lived and enjoyed their lives describes what occured, "The BC SPCA has committed an unforgivable injustice to me and many others in British Columbia. They have STOLEN my beloved dogs (in my professional care, on a large farm), and while some were heartlessly murdered, others succumbed to unimaginable conditions while locked in their pounds." Dr. Marcu recounts how the BC SPCA "slandered me, and many others, with vicious lies."
While the dogs were in the BC SPCA facility, Dr. Marcu described the the treatment of the dogs, "What they truly inflicted on my dogs were horrors: unnecessary surgeries, relentless drugging with antidepressants, living on cold cement floors, no exercise and running, all while they endured MONTHS in cramped cages, having their spirits broken. The few dogs remained alive were sold for profit, while BC SPCA was also soliciting donations from the unknowing public." Dr. Marcu observes that, "0bviously, the lack of accountability is an incentive for BC SPCA to steal beautiful animals for their own profit."
Dr. Marcu and her family have started an online petition Investigate BC SPCA for alleged crimes and corruption.
Felicia Allen, an animal rights advocate, animal rescuer and activist in British Columbia for over fifty years describes how a horse the BC SPCA seized was returned to her due to a BC Supreme court successful outcome, "Oliver, a magnificent, tall, proud Standardbred horse that I had rescued from slaughter and cared for over twenty years, was returned to me by the BC SPCA after three months in their care starvation thin - literally a walking skeleton - I cried on sight, how on earth could anyone do that to an animal?"
The BC Animal Law Reform Coalition (BCALRC)
The killing of pets and animals as part of the operations of facilities like the BC SPCA and other city shelters is often compromised with tragic outcomes.
In September 2018, Jennifer Azizi adopted a 10 month-old collie puppy, Echo, from the West Vancouver BC SPCA. As Jennifer and her husband were leaving, Echo playfully nipped Jennifer’s husband when he picked up a noisy bag of dog food. Five days later the BC SPCA had killed Echo although the Azizi family had already adopted him.
Theresa had been fostering a dog who had progressed well. When she returned the dog to the Kelowna BC SPCA she was informed shortly thereafter that he was going to be euthanized. Although Theresa and supporters made frantic phone calls they were told that the decision "was irreversible."
In February 2026, Calia, a beautiful 2 year old husky/malamute mix was brought in to the Victoria BC SPCA. They tested her DNA and after results showed she was 35% wolf, the leadership team at the SPCA decided she should be euthanized because of her genetic makeup. Calia had adopters waiting.
The British Columbia Animal Law Reform Coalition (BCALRC) is working for a future where all BC companion animals will be protected by effective provincial and municipal laws.
The purposes of the Coalition are:
To raise awareness of how the current legislation governing animal shelters does not protect companion animals.
To successfully reform the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to ensure humane guidelines direct the operation of all shelters in BC and to ensure robust and transparent government oversight is in place to guide operations and protect animals in care.
To connect rescue animal allies and act as a hub to exchange news, resources and information and act on shared priorities together.
The BC SPGA has teamed up with many organizations and non-profit societies to improve the lives of animals and those who are their guardians to ensure healthier, happier lives for both. The society advocates for animals to stay with their families rather than being seized because the families or loved ones can't find pet-friendly housing or cannot afford their care costs.
A spokesperson for the BC SPGA said, "It's better for charities like the BC SPCA to focus on proper and compassionate care for animals, and leave the policing up to the municipalities who already have animal bylaw officers for that purpose. That's also cost efficient. The BC SPCA's governing legislation, BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, is in desperate need of revision and the operations of independent oversight."
more articles of interest: BC SPCA chief of policing under investigation