Date: March 3, 2026
Vancouver, BC -
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.
The Society For British Columbia Public Guardians And Animals (BC SPGA) today announced that it has uncovered information that the RCMP have started an investigation of Marcie Moriarty, Head of Animal Investigations for the BC SPCA, involvement with a hired veterinarian and a vet report that was used as evidence in a provincial court trial to convict a pet guardian (Rex v Marie-louise Felicia Allen).
This alleged interference by the Chief of the BC SPCA animal enforcement department raises serious concerns about the integrity of the evidence and due process in animal welfare cases.
According to testimony in the trial from the BC SPCA hired veterinarian, Dr. Amanda Gilliland, Moriarty discussed the veterinarian’s report's wording and findings with her. Afterwards, the veterinarian euthanized the pony.
As a lawyer with the BC SPCA since 2005, Moriarty would be aware of the specific wording that judges rely on to make findings against animal guardians or pet owners in one of the most critical pieces of evidence before a Court.
The BC SPGA is urging criminal charges where warranted. "As a lawyer and the Chief of an animal policing department, Ms. Moriarty is not a veterinarian and is undoubtedly aware of the critical importance of independent veterinary evidence in our courts and tribunal proceedings," said a BC SPGA spokesperson. "The public has a right to expect impartial and unbiased evidence in animal welfare cases, and we will not stand idly by while the integrity of the justice system is potentially compromised against people with pets in this way. A little pony seized from under the care of two veterinarians life was taken and a vet report with Marcie Moriarity’s interference entered as evidence for the euthanasia in the trial."
“Although people may be afraid to come forward for fear of retaliation by the BC SPCA animal enforcement,” the BC SPGA urges members of the public to contact the Surrey RCMP detachment with information relating to interference in animal prosecutions.
The BC SPGA has long advocated for reforms in animal welfare enforcement, including the transfer of animal policing duties to provincial authorities. This alleged interference highlights the need for a transparent and impartial system, similar to the one in place in Ontario, where the SPCA is relieved of animal policing duties.
“If the Chief of any other police force in the country interfered with a hired doctor’s report submitted against a member of the public to the court there would be public outrage. It is no different in animal policing since most people consider their pets family members.” said a BC SPGA spokesperson.
The organization urges the public to join them for the implementation of a fair and transparent animal policing system. JOIN the Campaign for Animal Policing Reform
Related article: BC SPCA Investigations Chief Interfering with Critical Court Evidence
### About the Society For British Columbia Public Guardians And Animals (BC SPGA) Founded in 2023, the Society For British Columbia Public Guardians And Animals (BC SPGA) is dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of both individuals and families with animals across British Columbia.
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