In June of 2003 the SPCA seized 130 animals from Silvia Rutledge of Do-Little Farms, a hobby farm and petting zoo in Maple Ridge. The animals were seized due to poor husbandry and lack of adequate shelter. Rutledge's operation had been reported to the SPCA many times over a period of at least 10 years before this seizure.

In July of 2003, Rutledge got all but one of her animals back for the sum of $5,000 and with a promise to make improvements to her farm. BC SPCA Special Provincial Constable Eileen Drever claimed in a July 2003 article in the Maple Ridge News that "We are going to closely monitor her animal husbandry practices." The article also reported that the SPCA was going to pursue charges despite the fact that it had returned Rutledge's animals.

We have heard nothing further regarding this case, and given the fact that the SPCA loves to grandstand its cruelty cases in the media, we wonder whether Rutledge has joined the ranks of those who have managed to exchange money for freedom and the right to have their animals back.

Certainly Spud's owners are not guilty of the long-term neglect that has been documented in the Rutledge and Raffle cases. Their only crime was not being able to afford immediate veterinary care. What is frightening is that it appears that anyone without a lot of money is at the mercy of the animal police, regardless of whether they are guilty or innocent.

A bin of ducklings with 1/2" of dirty water and no light or air...