Two of the BC SPCA’s top animal cruelty investigators – Surrey husband and wife, Shawn Eccles and Eileen Drever – have been recognized for their dedication to animal welfare.
The pair each received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the society during a ceremony June 1 in Vancouver. They were also presented with Stu Rammage awards, for their work on the high-profile Whistler sled-dog investigation.
“You will not find two more dedicated, knowledgeable or passionate protectors of animals anywhere,” Craig Daniell, BC SPCA chief executive officer, said in presenting the honours.
Drever and Eccles joined the BC SPCA in 1980.
Drever has served as senior animal-protection officer since 2003, overseeing a team of special constables in the Lower Mainland.
Cruelty investigations she has been involved in include a case involving Canada’s largest known cockfighting ring and a high-profile case involving the hippopotamus used in Telus commercials.
Last year, Drever was lead investigator in the sled dog case, described as the largest and most complex investigation in BC SPCA history.
Eccles is currently chief animal-protection officer.
His expertise covers every aspect of the society’s work – from shelter operations and cruelty investigations, to training, policy development and involvement in animal-welfare programs at the local, provincial and national levels.
He was also instrumental in the creation of courses on animal cruelty investigations at the Justice Institute of B.C.