A thief tried to rip the catalytic converter out of the Fort Erie SPCA’s patrol truck last Sunday evening, and a local muffler shop fixed the damage two days later without charging the shelter a cent.
Shelter cameras caught the thief failing to steal the converter, but left it barely attached, and the truck sat off the road from Monday morning until JC’s Garrison Muffler Centre finished the repair late Tuesday afternoon. The shelter says the work would have cost about $250.
Credit: Garrison Muffler Centre | Facebook
The truck is the shelter’s front-line vehicle. Staff drive it daily through Fort Erie, Crystal Beach, Stevensville and Ridgeway to respond to emergency calls about dogs in hot cars, animals running at large, wildlife trapped in tight spots and injured animals that need a ride to rehabilitation. Crews also use it to pick up roadkill.
The damage left the truck too loud to drive. The converter hung loose and the exhaust roared every time the engine ran.
Virjinia Castellanos, who handles marketing for the Fort Erie SPCA, told Fort Erie Radio the shelter called the shop Monday to look at the truck. By that afternoon, the shop reported the converter was still there–just barely hanging on–and offered to repair everything for free.
“Getting the truck back means that we can stay on top of emergency calls and continue to help support all the animals and people in our community,” said Castellanos.
Castellanos said the repair is one example of steady local support. Volunteer drivers, bingo volunteers and donors keep the shelter running, she said, and Canadian Niagara Power recently made a donation of its own.
“We are truly grateful to be part of such a caring and compassionate community,” said Castellanos.
Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.
About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation.
“If you don’t like the news, go out and make some!”
