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With her dog Dakota by her
side, Gwen Wilson has a thank you to the community. In
January, Wilson’s small hobby farm and make-shift cat
shelter was raided by the SPCA landing her favourite dog
Dakota, along with 75 diseased and distressed cats, in the
slammer.
Now recognizing how collecting stray cats, whether out of
misplaced kindness or a desire to hoard animals, can
easily get out of control the gas station attendant is
making the community a promise. Fund raising efforts have
now helped to pay off the majority of her $4,000 bill for
the cat’s care and Wilson promises “it won’t happen
again...Any other cats I ever own will be fixed.” says
Wilson and “two is the limit. Don’t even bother to ask me
to take strays.”
The funds were raised by private donations and from Animal
Advocacy Group. Along with cash donations to cover the
cat’s care bill a number of private donations were also
made to Wilson’s account at the feed store and
veterinarian clinic.
“I know that not everyone is in support of me but thank
you to everyone who helped.... It was not cruelty it just
got out of hand...”
According to Wilson the SPCA would not return her dog,
which was seized for a sore on its paw, unless the bill
for the care of the cats was paid. Along with the fund
raised cash, Wilson also gave the SPCA 10 post dated
cheques for $125 for the balance of the bill. A day later
SPCA officers were at the door again - this time with some
good news. The SPCA took a second look at the situation
and returned a majority of the cheques back to her after
further consideration was given to Wilson’s financial
situation and the effect on other farm animals that
continue to need feed and care. One day after the return
of Dakota, Wilson was hospitalized for a major operation
and continues undergoing radiation therapy. “I appreciated
how passionate people are about this story and the
recognition that humane communities need to be created
to ensure that the animals in their community are healthy
and happy... But “individuals who are not adequately
equipped or do not fully recognize the severity of their
actions, (should) not create situations that in the end do
not benefit the animals,” reminds Marcie Moriarty, SPCA
Manager of Cruelty Investigations.
“The total costs which were sought from Ms. Wilson (which
do not represent the amount which has been spent and
continues to be spent by the BC SPCA on these cats) was
$7793. She has paid $3800...In providing the BC SPCA with
approximately half of the costs of care which were
required to assist the extremely sick and neglected cats
that came in to our custody, Ms. Wilson has taken
responsibility and hopefully recognizes the significant
distress that was placed on these animals,” adds Moriarty.
“The BC SPCA has been provided with additional information
regarding her financial circumstances and recognizes that
the burden of a full payment may fall to the community,
which we do not feel is appropriate. Therefore, we have
agreed to accept $4000 as full payment, but want to
emphasize that the actual costs, both to the animals and
the BC SPCA far exceed this amount.” The SPCA is
continuing to recommend to Crown Council that charges be
laid under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in the
hope that the court will recommend counselling and/or
order a limit on the number of animals that Wilson can
own.
Rather than pass an animal onto someone in the community
unable to properly care for it, anyone with stray cats in
the Hope area can drop off an animal at the Chilliwack
SPCA at no cost after signing a third party surrender
form, adds Moriarty. “100 per cent free” - but donations
are gratefully accepted as the SPCA is a charitable
organization and operates without government funding. The
Chilliwack SPCA may be at maximum capacity and you may
have to wait a week or you may be asked to try to re-home
the animal “but that is a rare occurrence.” If you find in
your community that is not happening residents can call my
cell phone at 1-604-834-0081, adds Moriarty.
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