On Wednesday, June 14, 2006, I contacted the Victoria SPCA for information and advice regarding an animal in distress. On the previous Friday evening the owner of the cat had died at home of a massive heart attack. The other occupant of the apartment, my sister, severely disabled with Huntington’s disease, was taken by victim’s services to the Royal Jubilee Hospital for long term permanent care. The cat, Rocky, was left at home, no doubt traumatized by the evening’s events.

Carl was the person I spoke to at the SPCA. I informed him of the circumstances regarding the death. I asked him if he could help or advise me on how we could rescue the abandoned cat. He told me that it was not the SPCA’s responsibility to rescue animals. He seemed very offended that I would even think to call the SPCA. Carl told me that it was the family’s responsibility to deal with Rocky. I told him the only family in the area was the deceased’s 83 year old mother, who most certainly unable to participate. Carl asked why I did not rescue the cat. When I replied that I live on the Lower Mainland, Carl’s retort was I was only a ferry ride away.

It has always been my understanding that the SPCA’s mandate was to help abandoned animals and animals in distress. I commented that surely they’ve come up against this type of situation in the past and couldn’t he be of some assistance with advice and suggestions. Carl stated that the SPCA would not break into an apartment. This was against the law. I replied that no one had to break into anything, as the landlord would be available to access the suite. Carl stated this too was against the law. Only the party renting the suite could give authority. I reminded him that that person was deceased so authority went to the deceased’s mother who was just as concerned about the poor animal as I was. Everything I suggested Carl replied “was against the law”, so I offered to arrange to have the RCMP attend. If that was what was needed, so be it. Absolutely nothing would satisfy his refusal to help me with this family crisis.

Clearly, I was getting nowhere in my search for help. I requested to speak to someone else in hopes that I could connect with a more amiable person. His supervisor, Penny Stone came on the line and immediately accused me of upsetting her employee. My reply was that he upset himself, and that I was only hoping for some genuine interest in the plight of an abandoned animal. At this point I was told how many cats they had in their care and was reminded that it was kitten season. Under no circumstances could they help me.

I requested phone #’s for any animal advocacy groups. I was refused. I requested a number for any local veterinarian. This too was refused. I could not believe the obstinance and obstacles in talking with these two SPCA employees. At no time did either show the any compassion, care, or concern that this family pet had lost both its loving companions under such sad circumstances.

This story has a happy ending. I called Judy Stone of Animal Advocates here on the North Shore. I left a message asking for help. Judy responded within hours with the good news that she had contacts in Victoria that could assist me. Information was shared and in a timely manner Rocky was rescued, cared for by a veterinarian, and placed in an ideal foster home. All this was done in a compassionate and supportive fashion.

Our deepest thanks go to Carol of Animal Crusaders.

(The writer of this letter is also in poor health, or she would have gone to Victoria.)