Durham region police officer Beth Richardson has faced a police disciplinary hearing because she took a tiny kitten to a veterinarian because the kitten was in need of medical treatment and was living in the home of a woman who was on a ‘multi-day’ crystal meth session.

Beth was dispatched to the woman’s home presumably to deal with the woman but when she got there she found this tiny frightened kitten under a chair with runny eyes. There was no sign of food or water.

Beth an animal loving police officer

I’d have thought the police force would see Beth’s conduct as humane and decent in having the kitten checked out by a vet. It looks like an upper respiratory infection. A common condition in neglected cats.

Beth took the kitten to the vet at her own expense. The drug taking woman complained and Beth was forced to take the kitten back to the woman’s home. It seems that she made an allegation of theft against Beth.

Animal Justice (the source of this story) intervened. They attended the disciplinary hearing I am told. I don’t know the outcome.

The case is important because it sets a precedent which is not in the best interests of animal welfare. Other police officers may be reluctant to assist a pet under similar circumstances to the potential detriment of the pet’s wellbeing and health.

I hope to be able to report on the outcome of the hearing. Beth should be absolved of any wrong doing and praised for her humane and decent behavior. Any form of disciplinary action against her is clearly unwarranted. He work record should be clear.