UPDATE - September 9 2005

CHEX went to the Nanaimo SPCA for comment right after they interviewed Stephanie Walker. Stephanie spoke eloquently on the need for people to really watch their animals and to keep them indoors or under close supervision if they live in this area. Altogether at least six cats have been involved. Interviewer Sky Ryan handled the whole interview with sensitivity. No punches were pulled and the injuries to the animals were detailed.

RCMP Constable Jack Eubank appealed to the public to provide evidence as treating animals like this is a criminal offence. The RCMP has a statement from Stephanie.

Here is exactly what was said by Lorraine Negley, a shelter worker, speaking for the Nanaimo SPCA. Newscaster Sophie Lui said that the SPCA had received no similar reports.

Here are Lorraine Negley's words-

"If someone caught it on tape, or a picture, or you know, if there were multiple witnesses or stuff like that."

THAT WAS IT.

The Nanaimo SPCA never called Stephanie for documentation of any nature. Stephanie could have told them the location where these crimes occurred and supplied pictures of the wounds if asked. It appears that the SPCA needs actual eye witnesses to the act, but it is very difficult to obtain such evidence. Hardly any crimes have eye witnesses. If there are, the informants are usually co-conspirators. I would think that some enquiries could be made in the neighbourhood, a reward could be offered, and that some posters could be distributed around the area. Otherwise there will be more and more offences committed on helpless animals and nothing will be done. The fact is that quite a few people probably know who the perpetrators are.

Unlike the police and the BC SPCA, Stephanie has no police powers and asking too many questions could lead to a lack of trust, which would make it hard to assist any other cats in the future. The only good thing is that these cats are now safe.

My husband and I are off to spend time with these cats. At present they at Walkers Animal Rescue Centre's new building on the Island Highway in South Nanaimo. They are in a special area with a few of the most gentle cats, which is working well. They need a lot of attention and physical care, as they have been scared in a big way. The cat with the missing tail is clearly still having problems, but he will recover. The one with the slashed throat seems to be more stable right now. I note that the torturers chose small, vulnerable cats. I don't expect they would try stunts like this with some of the meaner ferals I know.

Jean