March 2010

Students in Burnaby were given more control over their educational options recently. The Burnaby School Board of Trustees agreed to create a student choice policy that outlines alternatives for students who choose to opt out of dissection in science classes. A presentation to the Board was made on Tuesday February 23rd by Leslie Fox of the Frogs Are Cool website and by Geoff Urton and Paula Neuman from the BC SPCA.

The BC SPCA has a position statement on educational dissection that supports students who opt out of animal dissection on conscientious grounds. It goes further to explain our position as to what level of education dissection may be considered necessary and what parameters must be met to ensure the animal does not suffer pain or discomfort.

The BC SPCA has several position statements on the use of animals in education. Please take a look at these statements and share them with colleagues.

The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness 
by Colin Thompson

The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness is an evocative story about the importance of family and the role that animals can play in our everyday happiness. George is a lonely little boy who finds a three-legged friend in “the last cage in the last aisle” of the animal shelter. Along with George’s grandmother, they embark on a fun-filled life together.

Using clear, intelligent language, Thompson does not shy away from complex subject matter; he tells the story of a child’s journey through loneliness with grace. The illustrations capture the mood of the story and, along with the characters, become lighter and brighter as the book nears its happy conclusion.

BC SPCA has many other book recommendations as well. 

Too often small animals are bought as “starter” pets because people believe they are easy to take care of but they need to have their five freedoms met as well. Small animals are often kept in cages that are too small and are handled inappropriately. You should never pick up an animal by its tail or grab him around the body. Think how intimidating you must be to this tiny little creature.

Pet stores sell brightly coloured plastic cages that look cool but they usually are too small and aren’t the best for keeping rodents. We’ve seen animals chew through the plastic and even get stuck in the tubes. Housing for a small animal is one of the most important ways you can ensure your rodent is able to express natural behaviours.

This month, invite Club members to set up a display focusing on their favorite pet. They can teach others about proper care, habitat and natural behaviours of this pet. Use Bark! and the BC SPCA website as resources. The demonstration will help other classmates and families in your school make a more informed choice if they are thinking about getting a pet.

Charges of animal cruelty are pending against the owner of an emaciated golden retriever named Trooper who was dropped off at the BC SPCA's Maple Ridge Branch Feb. 28.

The young adult male dog, whose matted fur was covered in dirt, mud and feces, was dropped off at the shelter by a man who claimed he found the dog near the intersection of 237th Street and Dewdney Trunk Road. 

Mark Vosper, manager of the BC SPCA's Maple Ridge Branch, said staff and volunteers at the shelter were shocked by Trooper's emaciated condition.  "It is so difficult to see an animal in that state – like a walking skeleton -- but despite his horrific condition he loves doing all the things that other dogs do – he is very friendly and loves attention, getting treats and playing."  

A typical male golden retriever should weigh between 30 and 34 kilograms; Trooper weighed 11 kilograms (24 pounds) when he was brought in Feb. 28. "He actually weighed less than his bag of dog food when he was brought in but he is steadily gaining weight and it is being checked by a veterinarian every day," said Vosper.

Learn more about this news item and other BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions. Warning: some of the images are graphic. Discretion is advised.