My name is Marcie Moriarty and I have been the general manager of cruelty investigations for the BC SPCA for more than five years. During this time our constables have investigated more than 25,000 complaints of animal cruelty, many of them involving abused and neglected horses.
One particular case, involving the seizure of 28 severely neglected horses, continues to haunt me. When our officers arrived on the scene, the horses were in a state of great distress, suffering from unacceptably thin body condition, internal parasites, multiple wounds, untreated lameness and overgrown hooves.
On average, the BC SPCA spends $500 per month to care for a horse.
In just 12 months, the BC SPCA has spent more than $200,000 to rescue, transport, board and care for the unprecedented number of cruelty cases involving horses.
The horses were taken into SPCA care and their owner, Carla Christman of Vernon, B.C., was charged with animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. When the BC SPCA refused to return the neglected horses to her care, the accused turned to the courts to dispute the decision, delaying the SPCA’s ability to adopt the horses to new, caring guardians. Just last month the B.C. Supreme Court confirmed that the SPCA’s decision not the return the horses was in the animals’ best interests. Sadly, the accused is appealing the court’s ruling, further prolonging the case.
This is why I am writing to you today. To date, we have spent nearly $200,000 on medical care, legal fees and boarding for the animals rescued in this case. As we await the outcome of the appeal, the costs of caring for these horses is growing, along with costs for another 17 horses seized in other recent cruelty investigations.
Please support the Heroes Fund for Animal Protection as a tribute to horses like Blackie and Shakira – just a couple of the horses rescued from Vernon who are still recovering in SPCA care.
The BC SPCA is a not-for-profit organization primarily funded by public donations. That is why I am asking you to support the horses who desperately need your help.
Though not everyone has the ability to adopt a horse, I hope you will show them you care with a small gift. I know you will be standing in solidarity with us when we appear in court once more, early this summer, to seek justice for these beautiful, gentle animals.
Please respond by May 5th at noon to help us continue our fight to protect and care for animals who would otherwise face a life of neglect and suffering.
On behalf of all of the gentle giants in our care, we thank you. The BC SPCA could not exist, without your support. Please give generously.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Marcie Moriarty General Manager, Cruelty Investigations
PS. You can multiply your impact! Forward this message to friends, family and colleagues.
The Heroes Fund for Animal Protection supports the many heroes connected to our organization. Our Cruelty Investigations Department (CID) works under the authority of the provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to respond to the thousands of complaints of animal cruelty and neglect the BC SPCA receives each year. Our Special Provincial Constables work in communities across the province and when needed, seize and rescue animals from neglectful and abusive conditions such as puppy and kitten mills, animal fighting rings and hoarding. In many cases, animals are found dehydrated, starving, without shelter and in certain cases, they are found suffering from wounds that have been intentionally inflicted.
The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in British Columbia. The Society provides a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education and advocacy programs, farm animal welfare research, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
BC SPCA Charitable Registration No. BN 11881 9036 RR0001
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The Heroes Fund for Animal Protection supports the many heroes connected to our organization. Our Cruelty Investigations Department (CID) works under the authority of the provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to respond to the thousands of complaints of animal cruelty and neglect the BC SPCA receives each year. Our Special Provincial Constables work in communities across the province and when needed, seize and rescue animals from neglectful and abusive conditions such as puppy and kitten mills, animal fighting rings and hoarding. In many cases, animals are found dehydrated, starving, without shelter and in certain cases, they are found suffering from wounds that have been intentionally inflicted.
