Linda Walker is always on call for the animals. The Kelowna-based special constable with the BC SPCA was honoured with the society’s prestigious Investigator of the Year award, presented at a special ceremony in Vancouver May 28.

“Linda is known as the ‘surrender queen’”, says Marcie Moriarty, the BC SPCA’s general manager of cruelty investigations. “She has a superb ability to convince people to do the right thing and to willingly surrender their distressed animals rather than the SPCA having to get a warrant to seize them. This ensures the animals get the help they need as quickly as possible.”

Walker has worked as a cruelty investigator for five years and prior to that worked at the Kelowna shelter for eight years. She responded to nearly 600 complaints of animal cruelty last year.

“Linda lives and breathes animals,” says Kathy Woodward, BC SPCA senior animal protection officer for the region. “She is just an outstanding investigator, and always makes herself available, even on her days off. She is caring and compassionate not only towards animals but also towards the people she encounters on her investigations.” She also does a lot of education with people when she responds to a complaint, adds Woodward, and is frequently able to work out options so that cases don’t even go to trial. “For example, she spent countless hours helping an individual in a large hoarding case to ensure her animals were rehomed or surrendered.”

In addition to cruelty investigations, Walker transports animals to and from Penticton and Kelowna shelters for vet treatment or adoptions, all on her own time, as a volunteer. For the last two years she had also been volunteering at the Penticton shelter. “I did finally insist that she take a little more time for herself,” Woodward laughs. “Linda has no concept of a 40-hour workweek!”

And there are no limits to Walker’s concern for her animal charges. During wildfires in the Okanagan two years ago, Walker and Woodward went on a call to rescue a cat that was locked in a house about to be burned. The only entry was a small basement window less than two feet high or wide. Walker had to do a limbo move, lying down to push through, then fall onto, the cement floor. “She’s always willing to take one for the team,” says Woodward.

On another occasion Walker was attacked by four Great Danes who “chewed her up pretty badly,” Woodward says. Although Walker should have taken leave, because two key colleagues were ill, she worked through it. “Linda is one of the most dedicated, unassuming, results-oriented and caring constables we’ve ever had. She’s universally respected and liked,” says Moriarty.

The BC SPCA Awards Program honours both people and animals who have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare during the past year. Recipients include veterinarians, staff, volunteers and animal heroes.

The BC SPCA Kelowna Branch provides care and protection to thousands of animals each year. Your gift can help give a homeless, injured or abused animal a second chance. Please donate today.

Photo caption: (left to right) BC SPCA Board President Cindy Soules with Linda Walker

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.