BC SPCA sees 350 per cent increase in animal protection investigation disputes in 2024
By Contributor
Since 2019, the BC SPCA has seen a 350 per cent increase in the number of disputes against animal removals resulting from animal protection investigations, at a huge cost to both the organization and the animals’ welfare. Further to this, approximately 50 per cent of the BC SPCA’s “no-return” dispute decisions are being appealed to the BC Farm Industry Review Board (BCFIRB), an independent administrative tribunal who hears appeals related to animal custody disputes and cost decisions made by the BC SPCA during an animal protection investigation.
“Despite the increase we’re seeing in disputes and appeals to the tribunal, we’re very proud that the BC SPCA’s decision not to return an animal is being upheld in almost 95% of the cases by BCFIRB,” says Andrea Greenwood, legal counsel for animal protection services with the BC SPCA. “This is a true testament to the diligence and care BC SPCA animal protection officers use while working on a file to make sure the animal’s welfare is prioritized while allowing for a fair and thorough investigation process.”
In 2024, as of Dec. 10, the BC SPCA has managed:
- 216 animal protection files resulting in the removal of animals;
- 83 disputes against animal removals by the BC SPCA animal protection team ;
- 16 appeals filed with BCFIRB although not all appeals proceeded to a hearing.
The BC SPCA is granted authority under British Columbia’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act to investigate concerns of animal in distress and to seize these animals if they remain in distress. The PCA Act outlines legal procedures and steps that must be taken throughout an animal protection investigation and once an animal has come into the BC SPCA’s care – these procedures require a process to allow the owner to seek the return of their animals. That process is called a dispute.
“We appreciate the need for an appeal process, but the financial and resource drain can be very challenging for the BC SPCA, especially when a case involves significant animal suffering or a repeat offender. Although in theory, the animal owner is responsible for any costs associated with the animal throughout a dispute, in reality the BC SPCA is unable to recoup these costs because of an owner’s inability to pay,” explains Greenwood. “And the financial implications don’t even consider the impacts on the animals who have to stay for longer in a shelter environment instead of in a loving, forever home.”
When a dispute is filed, the BC SPCA must hold the involved animal(s) in protective custody which can last up to 90 days. The animals cannot be adopted or provided any elective surgeries or care during this time; the Society can only take action which is considered reasonable to relieve immediate distress for the animal. For example, if the animal requires diagnostic testing or surgery but their condition can be managed temporarily with pain medication, only the pain medication is considered reasonable under the PCA Act, until the results of the dispute or appeal are determined. Animals who are being held in protective custody can also take up a significant amount of the available space in the BC SPCA’s animal shelters, including both animal care and administrative resources that could be otherwise used elsewhere by the organization.
Although the BC SPCA does not calculate all costs associated with every dispute case, it is not uncommon to see it range upwards of $1,000 for one healthy animal during an appeal to BCFIRB, not including the subsequent costs following a dispute or appeal to ensure the animal is adoption ready.
If you would like to support the BC SPCA’s Animal Protection Services work to investigate complaints of cruelty, abuse and neglect against animals in B.C., please visit spca.bc.ca/make-a-donation.
