Special SPCA Constable
Sunday, May 25, 2008 03:54 AM
by Kathi Travers
Debbie Goodine has one of the toughest jobs at the BC SPCA.
For the most, part the job is thankless. Except, she feels she does get thanks through the knowledge she is saving those who cannot do it themselves.
Goodine is a Special Provincial Constable, an Animal Protection Officer for the BC SPCA. Her job is to enforce laws pertaining to animal cruelty.
Goodine often works extra hours, sometimes even without days off, in order to respond to an animal cruelty call. The long hours don’’t seem to bother the passionate mother of two.
What bothers her most about her job? ““Ignorance towards general animal care. Ninety-five percent of my job entails educating the public on what the needs and responsibilities of pet ownership are." The other 5% is enforcement which entails serving search warrants, charging owners, seizing animals, and preparing evidence for Crown Council who then will approve charges that ultimately end up in the courts.
She covers a territory that goes north to Ft. St John, south to Hixon, west to Vanderhoof, and east to McBride. She receives anywhere from three to ten calls per day. Over 40% of the calls investigated are dogs tied up in back yards with no shelter from the elements nor food or water. Pets left in cars during cold and hot weather are also common complaints.
Livestock is another area of investigation with complaints of emaciated, lame or injured horses or neglected cattle.
"I am the voice for the animals. I represent them. I can and do make a difference and with public and government support I can do more." cites Goodine.
With the exception of $71,000 to be used for training, the society receives no government funding for the enforcement of the Act.
When someone calls in a complaint about domestic violence, child abuse, assault, and so on, our community relies on the RCMP or other community police force paid for through our taxes. When someone calls in a complaint about similar abuse, but it is abuse of animals rather than of humans, our community typically relies on the BC SPCA which is funded by coins left in donation cans and other fundraising projects. So those who care dearly for animals end up paying for something which society as a whole should be responsible for.
It is also important to understand the difference between an animal control officer, a service paid for by the municipality, and a special constable. The animal control officer’s job is to protect the public from the animals. The special constable’s job is to protect the animals from the public.
Goodine has been recognized and honored for her dedication by the BC SPCA as Investigator of the Year in 2007.
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Posted by: Harbinger on May 25 2008 2:40 PM
They do it well, and speak for those that cannot speak for themselves.
And they do it all on a shoestring!
Three cheers for them all!