18/12/2023
It's exactly 10 years today when I ventured into the Animal Rescue Network, undercover, when it was then led by the founder, Barbara Lisbona. The neglect and cruelty that I witnessed are forever ingrained in my mind.
Little did I know that this would lead to many years of fighting and rallying along with others to save these animals and improve their lives. MAPAQ did not do their job at that time so we brought our cause to the media.
We reached out to PostMedia Network, which resulted in a cover story and 2 inside pages in the Montreal Gazette. We then spent 5 years in court defending our name after being sued for Defamation of Character by Barbara. It was well worth the fight, as the ARN ousted Barbara Lisbona and set up a new board of directors.
In 2018, while we were still defending ourselves in court, MAPAQ seized over 133 animals from her house and a secret location and more were seized from her home in 2021. She was also found guilty of breaking & entering with the intent of stealing cats out of someone's home.
Justice for us was finally served as she was found guilty of an abusive (SLAPP) suit. We won all of our legal fees back, as well as damages. Darryl and I gave some of the proceeds to other wonderful rescues and bought ourselves a beautiful fence for our backyard. :-)
These have been 10 long years of dealing with Barbara Lisbona's hoarding of hundreds of animals in her home, and at multiple secret locations. Barbara Lisbona was found guilty of infractions to the animal welfare law and she is not permitted to act as rescue and is allowed to own only 3 specific cats and her dog.
As I reflect back on that freezing winter day, 10 years ago and the journey it has taken me and the others on, I would do it all over again, thought it was exhausting at times.
Those interested can read the Gazette article here -https://www.pressreader.com/search?query=%22barbara%20lisbona%22&in=ALL&date=Anytime&hideSimilar=0&type=2&state=2&fbclid=IwAR2Vr2XdGYTx0TMSiACiG9sQOiQQwSzsCIIBFd0uzI1gMQclETC9VAIzGX8
Press release summing things up here:
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/536484247/former-founder-of-montreal-s-animal-rescue-network-arn-barbara-lisbona-loses-defamation-case-ruled-a-slapp-suit
Thank you for listening to my story marking my 10 year milestone in the fight for these innocent beings.
Defamation Suit Dismissed - Momentous victory for Defendants as their claim for moral damages, punitive damages, and legal costs have been granted by the court.
