10/09/2026
💔 PLEASE HEED THIS WARNING. SAY FAITH'S NAME & STOP ONE MORE SOUL FROM LANDING IN THE WRONG HANDS. WE CANNOT CHANGE THE TIDE OF ANIMAL WELFARE IF PEOPLE CONTINUE TO GET RID OF THEIR PETS. ALWAYS ADOPT, DONT SHOP. PARTNER WITH A RESCUE IF YOU MUST REHOME.
BE THE CHANGE THEY NEED TO END ANIMAL ABUSE, SUFFERING & NEGLECT.
Many of you have seen the notice of the arrest of a local man in a horrific animal abuse case. Sadly, this case is personal to us because the wonderful person who rescued the cat from the abuser brought her to one of our foster homes. We have seen posts regarding the identity of the perpetrator, but not of the victim. When you’ve looked into their eyes, held their head in your hands and felt them nuzzle into your palm despite their pain, they aren’t just “a cat”.
We named her Faith to reflect the faith we had that we would be able to give her a new life. She was a Torti, about 2 years old with beautiful big brown eyes.
We were able to get Faith into our veterinarian partner the morning after she arrived at our foster’s, but despite every effort – including x-rays, bloodwork and consultations with specialists – we were unable to save her. She was not simply euthanized. Caring people fought for her. Special thanks to those at Court Animal Hospital for their efforts and to our foster C. D. for staying with Faith to the end. Faith experienced a warmth and affection in her final days she had not known for some time. For reasons I will not elaborate on, I believe she knew and responded.
We will be taking Faith’s ashes and scattering them – with love and respect - in a quiet scenic location where she can rest peacefully. Her time with us was very brief. Her impact will last a very long time.
Many people in this tragic case acted with great caring and compassion: the person who rescued Faith; our foster who cared for her; the Court Animal Hospital staff who fought to save her; the Animal Welfare (PAWS) agent who investigated her case and provided the evidence necessary to involve the NRP and charge the individual. It is now in the hands of the legal system to fulfill their obligation and send a clear message that anyone who abuses or mistreats animals will receive no compassion or consideration in their punishment.
Faith was acquired through a free social media site. If you feel you have no choice but to try to re-home a pet on your own and choose to use services like Facebook and Kijiji – please consult with a local rescue on how to screen anyone interested. The rescue may even be able to help you with the screening. These sites are unregulated. You have no real idea of the condition of the pet you might be getting or the true nature of the individual who is expressing interest.
And, please, If you see cases of animals being mistreated, abused or neglected please call Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-926-4625.
Brad Davis
President, Pets Alive Niagara
