Many of you are asking us what has been the role of the SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) since the Brindi Affair began.
Most of you hold the SPCA in high regard. So did I. Not any longer.
It would be fair to say that the SPCA is a pawn in the middle of this situation. They had a contract with the city of Halifax to house animals seized by animal control — such as Brindi. The contract was worth some $414,000. In addition to this contract, they operate a non-profit SPCA where strays and drop-offs and such are offered for adoption (just as any other SPCA). The city has opted to not renew the contract, that has since been awarded to a third party, a woman who runs a wildlife rehab center.
The SPCA is designed to house animals for no more than 30 days. Brindi has been in there for more than 570 days.
Since confinement, Brindi’s teeth have become infected. She has twice in the last maybe 5-6 months been treated for pancreatitis. So it’s safe to guess it may now be chronic.
Brindi is a mascot of sorts, her days are spent under a staffer’s desk.
Francesca had to FIGHT to be allowed to see Brindi. The first time she was allowed to see her was in January, 2009 (she was seized in July, 2008). She was not allowed inside the building and was confined to a
fenced area – the temperature was in the teens (or -0 celsius as we measure in Canada). She was given a ridiculous list of conditions to follow — come alone, no camera/video, no treats, 30 minutes to be determined by the SPCA, supervised visits only, and a few more. The terms changed at the whim of Halifax Regional Municipality/SPCA.
Her visits have been started and stopped throughout the year. The continuous change of rules prompted complains and the loss of her visitations rights.
Whenever Francesca wanted Brindi to be seen by her own vet a lengthy process of negotiation had to take place to everybody’s desperation.
In most cases the requests were denied.
Case law in Canada generally favors allowing an owner to see their animal during confinement when there is a case before the courts. Not Halifax. Case law also supports remediation between the owner and the SPCA. Not Halifax.
The SPCA could have stood up and said Brindi is not dangerous or mean, she sleeps under a staffer’s desk after all. In an attitude that betrays their lack of principles they decided not to challenge the city and risk their contract, a contract that was eventually lost.
In a recent letter signed by Kristen Williams, a spin doctor, the SPCA advocates an “alternative” to killing Brindi. This letter is nothing but a carefully crafted attempt by Halifax Municipality and the SPCA to cover themselves for their inadequate handling of the entire case.
A desperate attempt to save face after a number of recent scandals.
It’s too late for that. The SPCA has, in the handling of Brindi’s case betrayed its very founding principles, and the community has taken note. The SPCA will never be regarded in the same way by the Canadian Community.
It is time for Brindi to go home and to be reunited with her owner, Francesca Rogier.
If you are in Canada please CALL Mayor Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax on ph: 902-490-4010 and tell him that Brindi must be spared AND returned to her owner.
If you are abroad please email kellyp@halifax.ca and express the same… We have 8 days.…
For the Animals…
For Brindi…
Viktor Larkhill
Let’s Adopt!
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34 Comments to “Day 6. SPCA: Dirty games, Lost contracts and Spin Doctors”
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Gayle Wilson says:
I get a bad taste in my mouth when I think of the SPCA, largely because of the shame of the Brindi situation. This mess reflects on all of Canada's SPCA's. My disenchantment began when the Ontario SPCA shut down our local SPCA leaving the town and surrounding area with nothing. I pass their abandoned buildings every time I drive into town and get angry all over again.
Gayle Wilson says:
I've been following Francesca and Brindi's story from the beginning and am outraged and appalled that the SPCA has apparently acted (or failed to react), once again because of money. For these reasons, I no longer donate money or anything else to the SPCA. I only donate to private Rescues and Shelters and that will continue. The only way the Canadian SPCA can ever start to redeem itself will be to start by putting pressure on TPTB to release Brindi and to reimburse Francesca Rogier the thousands of dollars she's been forced to spend to save her beloved pet.
Gayle Wilson says:
I've always wanted to visit that part of Canada, but have decided that although I may travel to many parts of my Country, I will NEVER set foot in Nova Scotia. That decision is based soley on the disgusting actions regarding Brindi and I know there are many thousands of Canadians and many more people around the world who will make a point of NEVER visiting this part of Canada
Vinessa says:
I am a Canadian, I am a Nova Scotian. I agree; what is happening to Brindi is horrible. However, what's happening to the seals is even more horrible! The fact that you will or will not visit Nova Scotia will likely have little effect and most would not care . I urge you to however, if you do care. To sit down,make a call,write letter or simply pen off a letter to the editor of the Halifax Harold Newspaper. Surely, One letter from every person who takes the time to vent on here, will surely serve Brindi well!!
Gayle Wilson says:
Thank you for your comment Vinessa. I'm going to do just that today; I agree with you about the seal slaughter, I consider it to be Canada's Shame!
Isabell Allan says:
My heart aches for Francesca and Brindi. There is no excuse for all of this crap. I would say that someone here is in dire need of feeling powerful and controlling. The fact that this has gone on for this outrageous length of time is unbelievable. I pray that all the letters and calls to the mayor will help. I can't even fathom how they are getting away with this and for so long. I can only pray for the two of then because its obvious the people in control here have not feelings at all to let this go on for so long. Take a small bit of comfort that so many people across Canada are on Francesca side. God bless you both !!!
Winnipeg,MB
susan dandorf says:
what in the world is going on with people LET BRINDI GO HOME TO HER OWNER !
why is the SPCA doing this? Thought this was a group for the support and humane treatment of animals why was she put there in the first place and what has the spca got to gain from all this?
Gwen says:
Well Sunan ,i can tell you that this is not what the SPCA is about ( humane treatment of animals ) they are about animal control only.NOT ONLY IN NOVA SCOTIA BUT EVERYWHERE…..Thank God people are finally opening their eyes about the "S"ick "P"eople "C"ondemning "A"nimals.
You asked what do the SPCA have to gain from this,well my answer to that is just another defenceless animal to satisfy their hunger for murder.
Check out the site NO KILL NATION and the story about OREO the dog who was tossed out a 6 story building and lived ,he was than taken in by the SPCA and nursed back to health and then KILLED.There were rescue groups that wanted to take OREO in and give him a place to live BUT the SPCA said NO and just KILLED him. And the list goes on and on about the SPCA.
Trish Malkoff says:
I'd like to say this to the NS SPCA (and I have in an email!)
"I am reporting this issue to the International SPCA and your handling thereof, as well as other actions carried out by you under your so-called ‘contract’ with HRM. And now see where that’s gotten you.. The rats at HRM are deserting the sinking ship, by not renewing their contract and trying to shift all the blame for this debacle on you! You should fight back while you still have the chance to save Brindi at least, as well as some of the other hapless animals ‘illegally’ seized by you at HRM’s behest and by so doing maybe, just maybe salvage some of your own public credibility."
Misha_Dee says:
We have no time to waste….
Keep writing, calling in, sending faxes.
Mayor Peter Kelly:
kellyp@halifax.ca
phone: +902-490-4010
fax: +902-490-4012
Kristin Williams NS SPCA
director@spcans.ca
phone +902-835-4798
fax: +902-468-9761
BE The Change
TrishMalkoff says:
Hey Misha
I have to tell you with regret that I have emailed and called Mayor Peter Kelly's office several times. He has yet to respond to an email, or personally take a call. I am fed the usual brush-off lines by his PA: "It's out of Mayor Kelly's hands, he can do nothing now that it's with the courts". My retorts that he can do the right thing, that he has the power to withdraw the case, pay heed to the thousands of emails and phone calls, all are met with the same response: "Call Mary Ellen someone at our legal department on 902.490.4226." When I said this case had been blown out of proportion and need never have come to this, her response was: "Quite right, the irresponsible owner should have obeyed the law and kept her savage dog confined and muzzled as it had attacked several other dogs." I responded that people around the world were following the case extremely closely, that this was not true, that Brindi had been involved in one or two minor incidents, and then I asked her why the same HRM lawyer as in Brindi's case, Kishan Persaud had told the judge in another case where a dog had killed a neighbor's cat that HRM was seeking only a $300 fine plus court costs, totalling $500, she told me she didn't know what I was talking about and again referred me back to the legal department. When I asked her if the thousands of emails, faxes, phonecalls etc., made any impression on Mayor Kelly and if he was prepared to stop acting like a coward and respect public opinion, she put the phone down on me (hardly surprising). I'm sorry to have to tell you that I don't think the man is bothering to read any of the mail that is being sent to him, that he is ignoring the calls and regardless of any of the pleas for him to show mercy or compassion, intends to fight this case to the death, in this case poor Brindi's, in his efforts to defeat Francesca in the city's personal vendetta against her and thus prove himself to be the God of Halifax. Way more drastic action now needs to be taken. Picketing his offices maybe? I don't know, I live in South Africa, but I'm sure as hell writing to the Canadian Ambassador. I've already written to the Prime Minister!
Julie Hensley says:
If Brindi were safe I guess I'd be inclined to wonder why all these forces seem so determined to KILL THIS DOG??? I mean, what is the issue? If they have a reason why Brindi should be euthanized why aren't they saying?? It makes no sense whatsoever!
blueinmo says:
I sent this to the Mayor,
Dear Mayor Kelly,
Don't you think sir it's time for you and the city of Halifax to just FREE BRINDI by giving her back to her owner? The dog is NO danger to anyone. Please just re-unite Brindi with her owner. Hasn't she suffered enough, haven't they both been punished enough to satisfy you?
Have a heart Mayor and do the right thing. If you choose the wrong solution I would say it would kill your political career for any future runs. Seems the people of Halifax know the REAL TRUTH about this whole sad situation. The truth has even reached down here in S.W. Missouri.
Sincerely,
And then I posted my name and address and phone number.
Rosemary Tramantano says:
Called several times to the mayors office and all İ got was it was against the law for the mayor to try to interfere in a court case. The SPCA just stated they are not able to anything about this case. All I can say is this world is filled with cowards.
TrishMalkoff says:
I totally agree and the mayor is the biggest coward of all – as the mayor of the city of Halifax, which took the case to court in the 2nd place, after they lost once in the Supreme Court, Peter Kelly has the authority to withdraw the case any time he wants to – he obviously doesn't want to, 'cause he's gunning for the owner!
TrishMalkoff says:
Oh and another thing, the mayor and the city are not averse to breaking the law themselves when it comes to pursuing their own goals, they ignored the property laws against keeping someone's property more than 3 months by keeping Brindi for 19 months to date.
Gayle Wilson says:
Thank you for taking on this deserving cause, and for highlighting the shameful actions of the SPCA and the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Sincerely,
Gayle Wilson
Parry Sound, Ontario, CANADA
VLarkhill says:
Thank you Gayle… pls continue following up Brindi's case and helping spread the message about the changes needed in Canada in general and Nova Scotia in particular..
Best
TrishMalkoff says:
Dear Misha
I have to tell you with regret that I have emailed and called Mayor Peter Kelly's office several times. He has yet to respond to an email, or personally take a call. I am fed the usual brush-off lines by his PA: "It's out of Mayor Kelly's hands, he can do nothing now that it's with the courts". My retorts that he can do the right thing, that he has the power to withdraw the case, pay heed to the thousands of emails and phone calls, all are met with the same response: "Call Mary Ellen someone at our legal department on 902.490.4226." When I said this case had been blown out of proportion and need never have come to this, her response was: "Quite right, the irresponsible owner should have obeyed the law and kept her savage dog confined and muzzled as it had attacked several other dogs." I responded that people around the world were following the case extremely closely, that this was not true, that Brindi had been involved in one or two minor incidents, and then I asked her why the same HRM lawyer as in Brindi's case, Kishan Persaud had told the judge in another case where a dog had killed a neighbor's cat that HRM was seeking only a $300 fine plus court costs, totalling $500, she told me she didn't know what I was talking about and again referred me back to the legal department. When I asked her if the thousands of emails, faxes, phonecalls etc., made any impression on Mayor Kelly and if he was prepared to stop acting like a coward and respect public opinion, she put the phone down on me (hardly surprising). I'm sorry to have to tell you that I don't think the man is bothering to read any of the mail that is being sent to him, that he is ignoring the calls and petitions and regardless of any of the pleas for him to show mercy or compassion, intends to fight this case to the death, in this case poor Brindi's, in his efforts to defeat Francesca in the city's personal vendetta against her and thus prove himself to be the God of Halifax. Way more drastic action now needs to be taken. Picketing his offices maybe? I don't know, I live in South Africa, but I'm sure as hell writing to the Canadian Ambassador here. I've already written to the Canadian Prime Minister! Anyone else have any other ideas?
Linda S. says:
All the groups that are supposed to be helping animals – the ASCPA, PETA and the Humane Society have lost my respect over the past few months, as I've become involved in the animal rescue movement. This case, and others – like Oreo – have made me wonder just how much these organizations really care about the animals they're supposed to be helping. The smaller shelters and rescue groups are doing so much more for companion animals. The big three seem to be good at taking donated money. If only that money went directly to the smaller groups, a lot more dogs, cats, and other family pets could be saved.
Misha Dee says:
The NS SPCA appears on a morning radio show every Wednesday to plug some of their animals.
Perhaps some locals can call in or comment on their website.
KOOL 96.5 FM
WED 5:30-10:00 EST
http://www.planetkool.ca/index.asp?mn=3&id=17…
Thanks!
Tabbycat55 says:
Please tell me who has the legal authority to free Brindi? And where is the media coverage on this now when it is needed the most?
Cindy M Wilson says:
Hello ALL CANADIANS, PLEASE CALL THE MAYOR! I am from Kansas and called the mayors office and got a VERY cold reception. After being interrupted several times and being told I don't understand, she finally agreed to let the mayor know someone called in support of Brindi and Francesca. This is all over the rescue world and WE ARE WITH YOU in thought and prayers! Get that girl HOME!!
Kelly Carson says:
I want to thank you for highlighting the terrible events surrounding this wonderful dog, and her hapless "owner." Canada is no safe haven for domestic animals with horrific abuses going unpunished and unwanted animals gassed regularly. But the SPCA is supposed to be an organisation that we can at least call on for help. This is a shameful betrayal of trust and it's not the only case in Canada. BSL has torn families apart in Ontario, with the SPCA there taking no action as dogs are "put down" because of how they look!! I'm Canadian, and I'm deeply ashamed.
Regina Lane says:
I am truly discusted with the way the mayor and the spca has treated Brindi and this whole case! its horrible that this poor dog cannot even spend a ample amount of quality time with the owner she loves so dearly but can spend it under a desk all day with people who could care less whether she lives or dies! what has this world come towhen we must be separated from our loved ones just to save face. i am shedding the biggest tears for Brindi, she deserves so much better and the mayor should have a child or close family member ripped from him and dangled in his face all the while laughing at him just so he knows how it feels…This is considered her CHILD, she loves Brindi with everything in her and they still cant see what the right thing to do is? i am so sorry for this family and my prayers are with them and hopefully Brindi will go home and live her life without this damage that she has been caused.running through her head everytime she closes her eyes. PLEASE GIVE BRINDI BACK SHE NEEDS HER MOMMA AND HER MOMMA NEEDS HER!
TrishMalkoff says:
Too true Regina, but staff members at the SPCA should suffer the same fate as the mayor – there was nothing stopping them allowing plentiful precious time for Francesca with Brindi, or using just a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of dollars their contract with the City of Halifax was worth to them, by improving Brindi's jail cell. They were in complete cahoots with the mayor and the city, acting out of pure spite and look where it's gotten them, they've lost their precious contract and their double-crossing partners in crime are now trying to offload the whole nasty mess onto the SPCA. What goes around comes around and the mayor can look forward to losing all his support and his entire political career just as swiftly.
YT Karashinski says:
Man"KIND" in this case is an Oxymoron– STOP using that poor dog as a PAWN!! That shelter needs to be totally RESTAFFED!!!!
Brenda Read says:
I just now phoned Mayor Kelly office. Apparently he was in a meeting. Ya right.
The person i talked to said he is not taking ANY comments because it is in the hands of the courts now. This person that I talked to at the mayors office also stated that I have only heard the one side of this story! I don’t need to hear whatever side of the story! I have been following this story of Brindi and Francesca for awhile now and this makes me sick! This poor sweet dog is depressed because she cannot go home with her owner. She sees her whenever they ( SPCA) allows her to see her and then the owner has to leave her behind! Brindi is going to get soooo sick over all this and it is NOT NEEDED! FREE Brindi NOW! SPCA HAVE A HEART and realize what this is all doing to Brindi and her owner! I will not have faith in the SPCA ever again! Our three furry precious babies are all adopted from one place or another and if we ever want to adopt another precious furry baby, you can bet your bottom dollar it will not be from the SPCA!!!
Viktor says:
Dear Brenda,
Thanks for your support and for taking the initiative to call the Mayor. They have received THOUSANDS OF CALLS.
I can assure you they ARE taking very good note…
Toni T says:
I am writing to ask that you please free Brindi, the poor dog that is being held as political ransom. From everything I can read to date, Brindi had a few MINOR infractions involving other dogs. That has been remedied, she has been to training, her owner has secured fencing for her and the list goes on and on.
The people who are watching this debacle play out can see no GOOD REASON that Brindi is still behind bars, except now the whole situation seems to have moved itself into some kind of political playing field.
Please remove Brindi and her owner from the *games politicians play* and reunite them.
No one is a winner here, and it seems to me there are several losers to date, BRINDI, Fransesca, the NS SPCA, and you, yourself Mayor.
Please do what is right, what is the correct feeling in the pit of your stomach and send Brindi home, she has been ransom long enough.
Sincerely,
TrishMalkoff says:
Anyone who calls the mayor's office (and everyone should) and gets fed the same line of bullcrap from his pa that the mayor can do nothing now that case is in the hands of the courts, can simply point out that it is the City of Halifax that brought this case to court, and as the mayor of the City of Halifax, Peter Kelly has the authority and the power to withdraw the case any time he chooses to do so.
TrishMalkoff says:
I wish everyone would go to Brindi's owner's Blog Page http://freebrindi.blogspot.com/ and read her latest post for March 3rd about the real story behind the Nova Scotia SPCA's treatment of Brindi.. and weep! It's a true horror story to put it mildly. And now their mission is to ask the judge in the upcoming court case not to grant the City of Halifax's request to have Brindi euthanased, but instead to re-home her, with anyone, other than her beloved owner, Francesca Rogier, who has fought so long and so hard, at such great expense, to save and be reunited with her precious child!
The City of Halifax and the NS SPCA must be stopped and Brindi must be given back to Francesca now!
Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly:
kellyp@halifax.ca
phone: +902-490-4010
fax: +902-490-4012
Kristin Williams NS SPCA
director@spcans.ca
phone +902-835-4798
fax: +902-468-9761
Alison Grills says:
What makes me saddest is that even if Francesa finally gets Brindi home, Brindi's life span will have been significantly shortened and her quality of life will be less. If a human was held in similar conditions, not enough basic hygiene, restricted visits from loved ones, no exercise, poor health care etc, it would be considered torture. How can the SPCA not see what they are doing is the exact kind of treatment they are supposed to be protecting animals from? If a pet owner treated their animal that way surely they would be charged with cruelty or at very least neglect? It makes me feel like in that particular shelter everything is back to front and upside-down. The supposed protectors are in fact the perpetrators.
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