The Society For British Columbia Public Guardians And Animals (BC SPGA) announced that it has uncovered evidence that Marcie Moriarty, Head of Animal Investigations for the BC SPCA and a lawyer employed by the organization since 2005, discussed and influenced the wording of a veterinary report subsequently submitted as critical evidence in a BC provincial court proceeding against a pet guardian.

A spokesperson for the BC SPGA said that "This alleged interference raises serious concerns about the integrity of evidence and due process in animal welfare cases which we have been concerned about for some time since only about 5% of the cases that are brought to the BCFIRB appeals Tribunal by the public succeed. That percentage is about the same for the BC Courts."

Veterinary reports or forms submitted as evidence by the BC SPCA for court proceedings are typically considered independent expert opinions and frequently play a pivotal role in the outcomes of trials and tribunal hearings. The impartiality of these reports is crucial for fair legal processes.

Recent testimony from a BC SPCA-hired veterinarian, Dr. Gilliland, in a provincial court trial, reportedly revealed the extent of this alleged interference. Dr. Gilliland, who was hired to examine and seize a miniature pony from its owner, testified that she "spoke with Marcie Moriaty who is the SPCA Prevention and Enforcement Officer […] discussed my professional opinion and findings with her and she agreed […] that I was to proceed." The Court further heard that Dr. Gilliland also discussed the specific wording on the veterinarian Critical Distress Assessment Form with Ms. Moriarty before its completion and submission.

Marcie Moriarity as a lawyer with the BC SPCA since 2005 would know the wording that the Judge would rely on to make a finding against an animal guardian or pet owner. These forms and reports are critical to making a determination of guilt or innocence by the Courts and animal appeal Tribunal.

Ms. Moriarty is also actively engaged in writing the BC SPCA's legal agreements with the public regarding the return of seized pets. The BC SPCA has stated it is "proud" that decisions not to return wanted animals to their pet guardians are upheld in "almost 95% of the cases by BCFIRB," the British Columbia Farm Industry Regulatory Board, which hears appeals when the BC SPCA refuses to return animals to their owners.

A spokesperson for the BC SPGA stated, "We believe there will be widespread public outrage over the alleged actions and conduct of the Chief of Animal Investigations. The department overseen by Ms. Moriarty has aggressively pursued reputable breeders, rescues, sanctuaries, and ordinary caring and financially struggling BC pet guardians through both the BCFIRB Tribunal and the Courts."

The BC SPGA is formally calling for a complete RCMP investigation into these allegations, urging criminal charges where warranted. "As a lawyer, Ms. Moriarty is undoubtedly aware of the critical importance of independent veterinary evidence in court and tribunal proceedings," the spokesperson added.

The BC SPGA's campaign for BC Animal Policing Reform advocates that animal policing should be a provincial responsibility, similar to the system in Ontario where the SPCA was relieved of policing duties, thereby enabling the SPCA to pursue solely charitable endeavors. This reform, the BC SPGA believes, is essential to ensure impartiality and prevent potential abuses of power within animal welfare enforcement.

"The public pays for BC animal policing anyway so why not have an impartial and transparent provincial government run system in place?" a BC SPGA spokesperson said. "The BC SPCA is not subject to freedom of information requests, they recently called the review of some pets they kill "moot" in the Supreme Court (and won that case), there appears to be interference from the BC SPCA Chief in veterinary court evidence and now we see personal relationships in policing by a husband and wife team working for the BC SPCA that extend beyond the boundaries of the professionalism in policing that the public has come to expect."

"The public pays for BC animal policing anyway so why not have an impartial and transparent government run system in place?" a BC SPGA spokesperson said. "The BC SPCA is not subject to freedom of information requests, they recently called the review of some pets they kill "moot" in the Supreme Court (and won that case), the boundaries between BC SPCA personal and professional staff and supervisor relationships is blurred, and now we find out what could be one other reason why the pet public who want their pets back very rarely succeed in the justice system."

About The Society For British Columbia Public Guardians And Animals (BC SPGA): The BC SPGA is an advocacy organization dedicated to promoting fair treatment for animal guardians in British Columbia and advocating for systemic reforms in animal welfare enforcement, including the transfer of animal policing duties to provincial authorities.