Hello All,

As many of you saw on CTV Thursday night, The Honourable (we shall see) Stan Hagen has advised (paraphrased) that he is committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure legislation is changed to ensure that something like what has happened to these horses cannot happen (unpunished) again. We have all seen how what is said in government and what really happens are two different things so I propose that we all do something about it.

I have sent the following to Mr. Hagen via email and should anyone feel as strongly as I that abuse of animals will not be tolerated, similarly as it is not tolerated with humans; you may feel free to copy my email (see below) and send it to Mr. Hagen here .... stan.hagen.mla@leg.bc.ca If you do send anything to him, be aware that you must include your name, location and contact phone number or they will delete it.

There is more information on the BCSPCA site here.....
http://www.spca.bc.ca/cruelty/PCA_Act.asp

The site is very good at explaining processes and limitations...have a look around if this interests you . I have also attached a copy of the act FYI.

It looks like foster homes are almost confirmed for the 4 remaining horses... Eileen Drever from the SPCA will be making the final decision in the coming days. Since the horses are so weak we are somewhat concerned about the trailer to move them. If anyone has a trailer with a loading ramp, and preferably a slant load so they can come out walking, please advise if you would like to do the honours of moving them to their foster home(s).

Steve and Barbara

Here is the letter for your reference, please feel free to copy and send in yourself.  Please include your full name, address and contact number.

Dear Mr. Hagen,

Thank you for going on record on Thursday December 18,2008 advising B.C. residents that you will do whatever is required to ensure that appropriate changes are made to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act to ensure that Veterinarians accused of animal abuse or neglect can have their licences suspended while facing cruelty to animal charges similar to Medical Doctors and Lawyers WITHOUT input from the BCVMA.
It would be a significant step in the right direction to also modify the act to prevent people who have been found guilty of animal abuse or gross neglect, from owning animals in the future since as with human abusers, animal abusers often wish to continue animal ownership for some reason only to continue the cycle of abuse.

Thank you for taking this important step. I and others will be watching your progress with these changes during your term.

Sincerely,

Stephen Henderson
Langley, BC
604.219.9361