Cattle seized from 'Mother Teresa' of animals, veterinarian says

Abbotsford Times

Friday, April 29, 2005

LANGLEY - Quirinis C. van Dongen is no animal abuser, said a Langley veterinarian whose clinic is suing the B.C. SPCA for non-payment of $10,000.

"If anything he would more likely be considered a Mother Teresa of animals," Dr. Gordon McDonald said Thursday.

"Q.C. goes to auctions and he takes home animals no one else wants and gives them back their health. In essence, he's taking on everyone else's discards," said McDonald, who specializes in cattle.

A veterinarian from his clinic, Langley Animal Clinic, was present during an April 2003 seizure of 108 head of cattle and horses from the Aldergrove and Matsqui Prairie farms owned by van Dongen, who is the 83-year-old father of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister John van Dongen.

At the time, SPCA officials were concerned there wasn't enough shelter and clean water for the animals, but they were returned to the senior van Dongen the following week.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005