About the Gwen Wilson seizure:
Updates
Makeshift cat shelter raided by SPCA
The Hope Standard
February 2, 2006
Gwen Wilson stands with her animals, including her long time goat and her dog Sheamus. Gwen is facing possible charges of cruelty to animals after the SPCA seized one dog and 75 cats from her property in Floods (on January 13, 2006). The cats had all been either given to her by people who had found them dumped at their door or abandoned at Gwen's gate. "I love my animals, I love them all dearly and I know that I did get overwhelmed with the cats. But, looking back I don't know what I could have done differently and now I have lost Dakota... unless I come up with the money" for the cats. "The only thing I can do now is reach out and ask for a little bit of help. I just want my dog back, " says Gwen.
Letter from Marcie Moriarty, General Manager, Cruelty Investigations, BC SPCA
"Ms. Wilson states in your story that the number of cats got "out of control" but, contrary to what was alleged in your story, she had the option at any time to surrender those animals at no cost to the SPCA."
Letter from ex-SPCA agent Kathy Stanley
"They took her dog, made her pay astronomical fees, knowing full well her low income level. They kept the dog until Gwen signed paper work giving the SPCA over-reaching powers."
Dakota returns home to hobby farm and Gwen
The Hope Standard
March 9, 2006
"According to Wilson the SPCA would not return her dog, which was seized for a sore on its paw, unless the bill for the care of the cats was paid. Along with the fund raised cash, Wilson also gave the SPCA 10 post dated cheques for $125 for the balance of the bill."
In her own words — Gwen's side of the story
"It felt like the SPCA had seized Dakota to use as a hostage", Gwen told us, and indeed it is very troubling that the SPCA has the power to seize a happy, well-fed animal on the grounds of a small sore that is being treated. That criteria would allow the SPCA to seize most animals at some time in their lives. In fact, the PCA Act, the statute which governs the SPCA, does not permit the SPCA to seize healthy animals.
Read the AAS interview with Gwen
Letters from Gwen's supporters
Gwen had major surgery for cancer within weeks of the seizure and is now undergoing radiation therapy. Gwen needs ongoing help with vet bills now that she is too ill to work. You can help her by donating to Animal Advocates Society, and be sure to let us know it's for Gwen.