ED CHASE AND HIS DOGS RAY AND DARRYL

Ed Chase and "Darryl", his dying old dog, after the SPCA and the City of Surrey seized "Raymond" and the SPCA - the Society for the Prevention  of Cruelty to Animals, not the Society that Takes Money to Kill Dogs - goes to court to get an order to kill Raymond.  
Photos, video, and story below.

August 1, 2008:  There are many questions raised by the story of the seizure of Ed Chase's dog Ray by the BC SPCA, the contracted dog-catcher/disposer/destroyer for the City of Surrey.

August 13, 2008:  The SPCA applies to kill the Harris Pit Bulls, one of which may be a pup. Read more >>

Regardless of the outcome for Ray, there is a concern that AAS has been pointing out for ten years which this story reveals in all its disturbing contradictions: 

The Animal Welfare agency mandated to protect animals from people is taking money to protect people from animals, and in the process, killing animals rather than speaking for them. Why did the SPCA apply to the courts to kill a dog they hadn't even assessed?

We believe there a conflict of interest which needs to be examined to determine if the two money-generating actions by the BC SPCA - animal welfare donations and animal control fees - is the conflict that we believe it to be.  Animal control contracts is a subject that the BC SPCA seldom mentions, and in fact, when the public became aware of the SPCA's role as the paid dog-catcher/disposer/destroyer in Surrey, it tried to deflect that understanding in a Surrey Now article (link below), and in several radio interviews. What is needed in our opinion is an application through Surrey FOI to find out how many dogs the SPCA has applied to kill in the many decades it has been the paid animal control contractor for the City of Surrey, and in all municipalities where the SPCA has been the paid dog-catcher/disposer/destroyer.

August 1st Surrey Now: "SPCA spokeswoman Corry Anderson-Fennell [stressed] it was the city, not her organization, that asked for the destruction order." Read the Surrey Now.  Why did her organization comply with the City's wishes to kill Ray?  Did the SPCA speak on behalf of Ray to the City?  Did the SPCA act as Ray's advocate or as Ray's paid destroyer?  What speaks loudest for dogs in Surrey?  Their voices or Surrey's money?

July 23, 2008 the BC SPCA applied to Surrey Provincial Court for an order to kill Ray.  Read the Destruction Order application. In our opinion, this paid contractual obligation is not speaking for dogs.

In our opinion, Anderson-Fennell's statement obscures the fact that the SPCA takes money to be the agency that carries out the destruction of dogs - which may or may not be dangerous - for the City of Surrey.

 


August 1, 2008

Darryl

Ed's best friend and old pal "Darryl" is one of the lucky dogs who is never alone, never bored, never lonely, always with the one he loves, always seeing new people and (until Ed lost his car and took up living on church property at 160th St and 96th Ave in Surrey, with the church's permission), always going somewhere new and interesting.  Video of Darryl in his wagon. (Allow time for download.)

We have said for many years that dogs would rather be starved and beaten than alone. All they want most is to be with the one they love.  Next they want to run and socialize and have fun.  They don't care if they live in a car or a tent or under a tarp; their hearts are only full when they are busy with the one they love. Video of Darryl playing catch.

 

Darryl's about 14 years old now and has "old dog spondylosis spine".  I have gone to see Darryl three times in the last week and on Thursday went with him and Ed to see Dr Gary Smith at Fraser Heights Animal Hospital. Video of Darryl's exam.

 

 

 

 

Dr Smith was able to assure me that Darryl is in no pain because of the paralysis and an ultrasound was able to reassure us all that there was no abdominal fluid.  The cost of Darryl's future vet care will be paid for by AAS donators. Video of Darryl's ultrasound

 

 

 




July 26, 2008

Ray at the Surrey branch of the BC SPCA

Ray and Ed have been through some rough times together. On July 3rd, when Ed was attacked by a man who objected to the political sign Ed was holding up, Ray, whose leash Ed dropped, bit the man on the calf. 

There are some past incidents of Ray biting, though it's not known to the public how many or if they were minor bites or not. Ed was supposed to keep Ray muzzled and leashed.  Leashed he was, but not muzzled, so he was able to help save Ed one last time. 

Gary having fun with Ray at the SPCA.

When AAS learned of Ray's seizure by the SPCA we went to Surrey to meet Ed and hear his story.  That's when we met Ed's other dog, Darryl. 

We asked Gary Gibson of Custom Canine, BC's leading dog assessor who the courts use as an expert witness, to go with us to see Ray in his stressful cell at the Surrey SPCA. 

Watch video >>

In Gary's words, "If animal shelters were governed by the international standards for housing zoo animals, almost all would have to close."

Gary asked SPCA Constable Wayne Dodds, who signed the provincial Court application to have Ray killed, for permission to assess Ray.  Dodds said no.

By August 1st the City of Surrey and the SPCA had changed its mind. It allowed Gary to do an assessment on August 5th and is talking about not killing Ray after all. Watch video >>

August 6th: CBC radio's Early Edition:  SPCA spokesperson, Lorie Chortyk, said the SPCA hadn't assessed Ray.  Why did the SPCA apply to the courts on behalf of the City of Surrey to kill a dog it hadn't even assessed?  Is this what the citizens of Surrey want?  If you are a citizen of Surrey, we hope you will make your wishes regarding the destruction of dogs made known to the Mayor and Council (email form).

There was more media uproar over an SPCA destruction order than we have ever been aware of before.  CBC radio and TV, FaceBook group and petition, The Vancouver Sun, Metro News, 24 Hours News, radio, an online poll and many search engines were lit up with comment by concerned, even enraged animal lovers.  Googling bc spca surrey ed chase gets over 2400 hits.  Some of the commentators appear to have understood the conflict in an animal welfare society (which gets approximately $20 million a year from animal lovers to protect animals from humans), being paid to protect humans by killing animals.  There is a long history of the SPCA changing its mind after the media reveals something that creates outrage. The media now includes the internet, the medium that can't be spun by p.r.  We believe it is the internet that is going to change the way animals are treated, all over the world. 

Read: Who should control pet animals in BC's municipalities? 

Email us: Tell us what you think!


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 am Eddy's brother-in-law

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.

 

 

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