The Editor,
Re: "Ban sale of kittens also," Letters, Aug. 22.
First, I have recently visited the SPCA she speaks of in Richmond. I was told over the phone that a total of three kittens were up for adoption, not 900. Upon visiting, I asked to see the kittens. I was told that, because of their age, their immune systems were fragile and I couldn't enter the room. Fair enough, but the same employee told me if I filled out an extensive application form, it would be fine (I assume a kitten's immune strength is increased with proper paperwork, but I'm no vet).
I also recently went through the adoption "process" with another SPCA shelter. After having a great time looking at all the kittens (I should note around 20-25 cats were in no more than five cages) and pleasantly chatting with a volunteer, I chose one and completed an application. I heard nothing for days, when I finally called I was shocked to be told my application had been denied on the basis that, "Somebody overheard you saying you might let the cat out after a year."
This is despite clearly stating on the application I had no intention of letting the cat out. None of the references or contacts on my application were ever used. I know several people, who like myself, are law-abiding, responsible, loving people and have had similar outcomes. Before these people cry foul at the commercial sale of pets, there should be an admission on their part, that many adoptions are denied on a daily basis.
I was very upset by the entire process, and will not be going back to to any SPCA shelter when I do get my next pet. The SPCA needs to wake up and be aware that they share responsibility for keeping the commercial sale of pets going by denying adoptions to upstanding citizens for trivial reasons.
As a tax-paying Richmond resident, I am opposed to city council banning sales of cats or any other pet. It is often the only resource left for those of us deemed "unworthy" in the eyes of the morally superior SPCA and other like-minded institutions.
Geoff Cooper Richmond
