Appeal FAQs
Last updated on October 5, 2023Proceedings before BCFIRB are public in nature. They result in written decisions which are published on our website. All persons testifying before BCFIRB are advised that their identities, any testimony given or documents received may be disclosed. BCFIRB may order that the information be withheld from publication if it was received in confidence and/or it was received through an in camera process: see s. 61 of the Administrative Tribunals Act.
Appeals must be made in writing AND be received by BCFIRB within the deadlines set by the PCAA. Otherwise, you will lose the right to file your appeal.
Unless your appeal is only about costs, you must first ask the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA) to review its decision to take custody of your animal(s) before filing an appeal with BCFIRB. This is a requirement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
If your animal is taken into custody by the BCSPCA, you will be given a Notice of Disposition that explains how to ask for a review. It is important you follow the BCSPCA instructions for asking for a review.
Submit the Notice of Appeal Form, or a written statement, to BCFIRB by mail, courier, fax or email so that it will arrive within the four (4) day time limit, no later than 4:30pm on day four (4). Read more about timelines that affect the appeal process
Include a non-refundable $100 filing fee payable by cheque or money order to the Minister of Finance. If you would like to pay the filing fee by credit card or debit card, please contact BCFIRB.
If sending the Notice of Appeal Form and filing fee separately, you must make sure the fee arrives not later than six (6) calendar days after receiving the BC SPCA Review Decision so that it will arrive within the six (6) day time limit, no later than 4:30pm on day six (6).
BC Farm Industry Review Board
Attention: Executive Director
Mailing Address:
PO Box 9129 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9B5
Address for Courier:
1st Floor, 2975 Jutland Rd
Victoria, BC V8T 5J9
Fax: 250 356-5131
Email: firb@gov.bc.ca
It is your responsibility to notify the BC SPCA that you are appealing their decision.
Send a copy of the appeal to the BC SPCA by mail, courier, fax or email.
BCSPCA
Attention: Chief of Protection & Outreach - Animal Custody Dispute
Mailing Address:
1245 East 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5T 1R1
Address for Courier:
1245 East 7th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5T 1R1
Fax: 604 681-7022
Email: disputes@spca.bc.ca
Appeals to BCFIRB must be in writing and include:
- A clear statement of the issue(s),
- The grounds for the issue(s),
- Evidence,
- Affidavits, and
- Remedies requested.
Note; the Notice of Appeal form can be used, or you may simply include the above details in an email, or some other written from, and submit to BCFIRB.
If the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA) has taken an animal because it appears to be abandoned or in distress and you are:
- The animal owner
- The operator in relation to the animal
- Someone who has custody of the animal
You can file an Appeal with BCFIRB about the BCSPCA decision to take your animal and/or any related costs you are charged by the BCSPCA.
If the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA) has taken your animal because it has been deemed abandoned or distressed, you can file an Appeal with BCFIRB about one or more of the following:
- The BCSPCA review decision confirming that your animal(s) will not be returned (they will be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of).
- The original BCSPCA decision to take custody of your animal(s) if, after 28 days following your request for review, the BCSPCA has not given you a review decision.
- The costs charged by the BCSPCA, and/or the costs the BCSPCA has determined you must pay before the animal(s) is returned.