91大黄鸭-based senior SPCA cruelty investigator Kathy Woodward is this year鈥檚 recipient of the BC SPCA鈥檚 Leadership Award, presented to her at the society鈥檚 annual awards ceremony in Richmond on May 5.

The leadership award was created to recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals who go the extra mile to achieve the society鈥檚 goals, and who lead and inspire others to live out the mission and the purpose of the BC SPCA.

In her 23 years with the BC SPCA, Woodward has overseen thousands of animal cruelty investigations and saved countless animal lives.

鈥淜athy is truly inspiring,鈥� said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA. 鈥淪he is compassionate and diligent and is a shining example to her team.鈥�

While Woodward鈥檚 role as senior animal protection officer for the Okanagan is very demanding in itself, with more than 1,500 cruelty complaints in the region last year, she also took on responsibility for the entire Kootenay region in 2016 after a colleague went on long-term disability.

鈥淭his is an overwhelming responsibility, but Kathy accepted the extra work without complaint, ensuring that all investigations in both regions were carried out professionally and that charges were put forward to Crown counsel,鈥� said Moriarty. 鈥淭his feat is especially impressive because Kathy was dealing with a personal tragedy at the time 鈥� the serious illness and death of her husband. Her leadership under such duress speaks volumes about her strength and character, and she is truly deserving of this award.鈥�

For more information about 2017 BC SPCA award winners, visit .