READER COMMENTS: E-mail us with your letters or comments at animaladvocates@telus.net
If you wish to write to Mayor Watts and Surrey Councillors, email the City Clerk: jsowik@surrey.ca
Please also send any letters you write to animaladvocates@telus.net
I have known Eddy for
about 35 years. I am his brother-in-law
and oldest friend from Manitoba. Eddy
has had a hard life right from a young
boy. His parents divorced when he was
young and his Mom, who he loved so much,
passed away suddenly. Ed did not have
any love in his life after that and
turned to his animals who he loves more
than life itself. Eddy loves his animals
just as much as we would love one of our
children and I know to a lot of people
that sounds stupid but its so true. So
for these people who are picking on my
old friend stop and think how they would
feel if someone one day showed up and
said we are taking your children from
you and you can not do anything about
it, how would they feel I wonder? Eddy
has lost touch with all of us back home
but I think of him all the time and hope
he is safe and well. Ed's Dad passed
away this March of Cancer so there is
another part of his life gone. Ed has
two brothers and Two sisters that I know
worry about him to but Ed has chaos!
He lives the life he leads because he is
a free spirit and I feel that's just the
way he likes it. So if there are people
who can help my old friend please do
because Ed is a very kind man and has
always put his best friends his dogs
before him and would starve before he
would let them. So people, find some
kindness in your hearts and take the
time to stop and help Eddy with what
ever you can because who knows maybe
someday you will need some type of help
and I know he would return the favour.
Also if anyone sees him please stop and
tell him his old friend Dave is always
thinking of him.
Dave
croz42@mts.net
Susan Beattie: He cares more for his animals than most people
August 22, 2008
I also used to stop by and see Ed and Darryl like so many other people. He’s not there any longer; he was bullied out of there by the municipality and some of its residents. He cares more for his animals than most people with homes who leave their animals alone all day. You don’t have to help him, but for heaven’s sake don’t hurt him and his dogs like you have been for months. I’m pretty sure you have more important things to concern yourselves with in this crime and drug infested city. Your priorities need assessing!
Sincerely, a disgusted and saddened human being,
Susan Beattie,
Mission B.C.
I ask that the City of Surrey cease the bullying and work peacefully toward a resolution
August 11, 2008
Subject: Ed Chase
To: Mayor Watts and Council
Cc: John Sherstone
Cc: Legislative Services
Mayor Watts and Council,
I understand that yet again police and bylaw officers have visited Ed Chase, the homeless fellow and his dog, Darryl, on the corner of 160th St and 96th Ave, taking away his supply of water. This ongoing harassment and seizing of personal property is scandalous. There appears to be no shred of humanity or righteousness among Surrey staff and police.
Has Mr. Chase received any tickets or been charged with anything? He says he’ll move on once he gets his dog, Ray, back from the SPCA. Are you able to provide us with an update?
My husband and I have visited Ed on several occasions, and this afternoon brought him a new supply of water, so he and Darryl wouldn’t have to go without. Another couple also stopped by to help and to get his story. Mr. Chase has many supporters who are following this saga with interest.
There is increasing public scrutiny on how this matter is being handled, and I ask that the City of Surrey cease the bullying and work peacefully toward a resolution.
Sincerely,
Carmina Gooch
North Vancouver
Cheryl Jewhurst: It appears that the SPCA has not conducted itself according to it’s mandate on this issue
August 14, 2008
Mayor Watts and Council,
I am a life time member of the SPCA (Surrey) and ordinarily support including financial support the work they do on behalf of animals.
However I am concerned about a recent article I read relating to Ed Chase and his dog Ray. It appears that the SPCA has not conducted itself according to it’s mandate on this issue. Homeless people down on their luck have enough problems and issues to deal with without having the one unconditional love relationship they have torn apart by uncaring dog “catchers” who believe they have the right to rip someone’s world apart for the welfare of the dog. How ridiculous and this is not what I support.
So I would like to hear from the mayor and her council that the Surrey SPCA is mandated to watch out for the welfare of animals without making innocent people’s lives miserable in the process. Is Ray happier in a cage in a noisy and scary kennel? I think not.
Please address this concern as it is close to my heart and I need to know that Surrey is watching out for everyone. Animal and human residents alike.
Cheryl Jewhurst
Surrey, BC
Neva Lashe: I can tell you first hand that the SPCA did nothing to protect a dog that was in need
August 18, 2008
Dear Ms. Watts and the City Council,
I feel compelled to write you this letter as I am outraged at the SPCA’s involvement in the apprehension of Ed Chase’s beloved and well cared for dog Ray. I am dually outraged at the distress the SPCA is causing Ed’s other dog Daryl all in the name of protection of an animal. I can tell you first hand that the SPCA did nothing to protect a dog that was in need. For years a dog on my street was tethered 24/7 to her dog house. A three-sided box for a dog house that didn’t even provide her with any shelter from the rain, snow, and baking sun which this poor beast was subjected to over many years! This sadly neglected dog was surrounded by piles of her own feces with flies hovering around her constantly! While walking my own dog down the street, I could barely tolerate the stench of urine coming from their property. My neighbors and I all phoned the SPCA on these animal abusers on different occasions and never was anything ever done to rectify this problem. Nothing ever changed for this dog.
Neva Lashe,
Surrey, BC
Colin Davidson: Unlike the gauntlet of crack heads and meth heads…
August 16, 2008
To: jsowik@surrey.ca
Sent: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 9:22 pm
Subject: Ed Chase, Darryl and Raymond. Please forward to Mayor Watts and Council.
Mayor Watts and Council,
I’m troubled that Animal Control Officer Wayne Dodds signed an application to have Ed Chase’s dog Raymond destroyed before any assessment of Raymond had been done. The City of Surrey should not be using the SPCA to conduct animal control for the City. Animal control should not be part of the SPCA’s mandate. I would like to see Surrey emulate the City of Coquitlam which stopped contracting with the SPCA for animal control and now has a no-kill municipally run animal shelter.
I may not have all the information the City does, but it appears that Ed is being harassed and his possessions confiscated in an effort to get him to leave Surrey. Ed and Darryl are a harmless couple who I felt completely comfortable with - unlike the gauntlet of crack heads and meth heads I have to run when I shop at the Whalley Liquor store, only a block from an RCMP station.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Colin Davidson
Surrey, BC
Lana Simon: This is utterly WRONG and unconscionable
August 14, 2008
To Mayor and Council
Subject: Ed Chase - homeless person with a dog
Message: Dear Mayor and Council:
I understand that there have been repeated raids and confiscation of the few belongings of Mr. Chase. During these raids even his water and the water for his dog have been taken. This is utterly WRONG and unconscionable. The handling of this situation is getting more and more press and profile and does not reflect well on Surrey Council. Please try to assist this man. There obviously is a strong bond between the gentleman and his dog so any solution needs to include both of them together. Please be creative and compassionate.
Sincerely,
L. Simon
North Vancouver, BC
Your email has been forwarded to the
Mayor and Council.
Jane Sowik, Deputy City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk - Legislative
Services
City of Surrey - Municipal Hall
14245 - 56 Avenue, Surrey V3X 3A2
Phone: 604-591-4213
Email: jsowik@surrey.ca
Website: http://www.surrey.ca
Neva Lashe: I am ashamed to be a resident of Surrey
August 15, 2008
I have been a home owner and resident of Surrey for seven long years. I have to tell you that all the publicity I am hearing regarding Mr. Chase and his beloved dog Daryl is really causing me great shame! Is it not enough that as Surrey residents we reside in a city other communities refer to as the “City of Garbage”! Now we have to carry the burden of our municipality and our government funded SPCA devoting precious time and money harassing and causing suffering to a defenseless homeless man and his elderly canine companion. Surely you have better ways to spend our tax dollars than this! Correct me if I’m wrong but is not the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supposed to protect animals from humans? It seems to me that these humans (city council and the SPCA) are causing the cruelty to the animals they are supposed to protect! I will not be voting for you again Ms. Watts!
Neva Lashe
Surrey, BC
Richelle Onyschtschuk: I am writing you to tell you how disgusted I am
August 14, 2008
The City of Surrey
14245 - 56th Avenue
Surrey, British Columbia
V3X 3A2, Canada
(604) 591-4011
Attention: Mayor & Council
Re: Destruction of Dogs
Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing you to tell you how disgusted I am with your actions in the past regarding the SPCA and the destruction of dogs. It is not humane nor is it proper to kill animals, especially without reason. The fact that you killed that beautiful dog Ray, without the SPCA even assessing him, is just immoral and unethical.
Please note that in the future I will not be visiting Surrey and I will be speaking very poorly of your community in all my future endeavors.
Richelle Onyschtschuk
North Vancouver
L. MacDonald: This is blatant cruelty to animals and causes particular distress to Darryl because he is a disabled senior dog
August 17, 2008
To: jsowick@surrey.ca
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 11:17 PM
Subject: Ed Chase and his dog Darryl
Attention: Mayor and Council,
I understand that Surrey By-law Officers have committed acts such as seizing Darryl’s water and blanket.
This is blatant cruelty to animals and causes particular distress to Darryl because he is a disabled senior dog, requiring his blanket to keep him comfortable.
How is it that Surrey’s By-law Officers appear to be acting against the law? This is shameful, and I hope you take action against the officers involved as well as ensuring that Darryl, and his human companion, Ed Chase, are not treated so disrespectfully in the future.
I await your response.
Sincerely,
L. MacDonald
Coombs, B.C.
Kathryn McCartney: Darryl has no cover after Surrey does one of its sweeps
August 15, 2008
I drive by Ed Chase and his dog Darryl every day, on my way to work. I am in contact with him every couple of days, to see if he needs anything. I am aware of the on-going problem with the City of Surrey and the RCMP and Ed. My concern is if Ed is arrested, what will happen to Darryl ? I was thinking of contacting the Surrey SPCA re why they allow the City of Surrey to take away the water, blankets, etc. that Ed has for Darryl. I have gone by in the evening, on my way home from work, when Darryl has only a old jacket for a cover ( this is at 11:00 at night), after the City of Surrey has done one of their sweeps.
Kathryn McCartney,
Abbotsford, BC
Janine Rose: I just want to tell you that we had a similar case in Montreal last year.
August 15, 2008
The dog spent a full year in prison at the SPCA. Finally the owner won his case and the dog was released. The dog bit a policeman who woke up its owner very roughly during the night. Later our SPCA executive director Barnotti claimed that the dog bit an employee. We never believed that. The dog was not aggressive but defended its owner against a stupid policeman.
Janine Larose, founder
Lost and Found Pet Network
Montreal P.Q.