My name is Penny Simpson and I am a trustee with a strictly volunteer group in the Cowichan Valley (Duncan, Vancouver Island) called Cowichan Cat Rescue. I have had a couple of occassions to deal with Lorraine at the Nanaimo SPCA, and I have nothing but good to report. We had a kitten that was adopted from our group and turned in to the Nanaimo SPCA by the owner, but which time the now 8 month old had fleas and ringworm. Lorraine contacted me and asked if we would like to take him back since he was "one of ours". Nanaimo SPCA had had this young cat checked by a vet, and, when I went to pick him up, they supplied me with the medication to treat the ringworm, and had treated him for his fleas with "Advantage". They did this AT NO COST to either myself personally or Cowichan Cat Rescue.
It was about a week later that Lorraine phoned to actually ask a favour of me. One of the field inspectors had picked up two kittens (about 12 weeks) from the local Reserve, and they both had ringworm. She wondered, since I had it in the house anyway, if I could take them, as it is difficult for them to quarantine for the necessary length of time. Nanaimo SPCA would, of course, take the kittens back for adoption once they were healthy. I agreed to take them, and I was given some food, cat litter, a full pack of "Advantage", AND the medication for the ringworm - ALL AT NO COST TO ME. Furthermore, they offered me de-worming meds, which I did not need. The kittens were adorable (of course!) and I actually adopted them out through Cowichan Cat Rescue as a pair.
I have had two or three chats with Lorraine since then and I am impressed by her dedication and her genuine efforts to make a difference.
So, yes there are "Good SPCAs", and we should remember that.
Sincerely, Penny Simpson, Trustee, Cowichan Cat Rescue.