This is the first anniversary of the horrible tragedy at the Nanaimo SPCA shelter.

Kita, a dog, managed to get right into one of the cat rooms, with distressing results.

This is written in memory of Abby, Hobbes, Blackster, Jet, Sal and Shammy and of the dog Kita, who all lost their lives. I knew all of the cats and I still miss them. A friend and I were talking about the incident this afternoon. She knew the animals too and loved them.

This should be a constant reminder of the vigilance and care that is necessary when animals are entrusted to us. Buildings must be sound, well-constructed and totally secure. Staff must ensure at all times that dogs do not have close access to cat areas and that all gates are securely locked to prevent a disaster like this from ever occurring again. There have been some recent improvements to the cat areas in Nanaimo, which should help to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.

Pictures of the animals are on the CYA Board.

http://www.cyabc.ca/nanaimocats.htm

Jean