To the Editor: 

I am sending you a copy of my letter, one of the 73 letters sent to the Albany County District Attorney, in support of Marcia Scott and Happy Cat Rescue. I recently learned from an article in The Altamont Enterprise [“Happy Cat Rescue shut down,” Dec. 24, 2019] that Marcia accepted a deal that caused her to surrender all of her rescued cats and five of her own 10 (mostly disabled and unadoptable) cats to a kill shelter and prevents her from ever owning another cat in her lifetime.

According to the article, neither investigating agency involved in the case, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society or the Guilderland Police Department, knew, upon the newspaper's inquiry, what specific “abuse" was investigated or charged. The self claimed “accuser” stated that Marcia had “cleaned up for the police.” Ridiculous, as she did not know the police were coming.

Lastly, it was clear from Chuck’s (her husband) repeated exchanges with the judge that he did not understand why he was accepting the terms of the ACOD [adjourned in contemplation of dismissal]. Yet, his consent to the terms was accepted by the judge. Please speak out about this travesty of justice. 

Here is the letter I wrote on Dec. 2, 2019 to David Soares, Albany County District Attorney:

This is a personal and professional recommendation for Marcia Scott and Happy Cat Rescue. I do not know the specifics of the charge(s) pending against Marcia and/or her rescue group. However, I will summarize my experience, observations, and the things I am in a position to know. 

After 24 years of practicing, I retired from my legal career at the end of December 2010. Shortly thereafter, I began working as a commercial real estate broker. I have also become deeply involved in dog rescue work, much of which has been for the Capital District Humane Society.

As the owner of four rescued dogs, three of which are elderly and 1 of which is special needs (blind, deaf, and with a congenital deformity) and two rescued cats, one of which is elderly and one of which is FIV [feline immunodeficiency virus] positive, I consider myself an avid rescuer and animal-rights advocate.

I met Marcia Scott almost five years ago. My husband was teaching drum lessons and the mother of one of his students connected us because I was a vendor at pet fairs, selling pet products to raise money for pet rescue. She thought we might be able to help each other.

Marcia and I attended the Altamont Fair and other events together. She would try to get her rescued cats adopted and I would sell my products and donate part of the proceeds to Happy Cat Rescue. The rescued cats she brought with her always seemed healthy and well cared for and Marcia always demonstrated kindness and affection towards them.

My son, Ben, now 21, performed volunteer projects for Happy Cat Rescue inside Marcia’s house, which he informed me was clean and neat. When there, he saw her own cats playing happily in the home. They appeared healthy and well fed.

The other rescued cats were kept in crates in the garage and also appeared healthy and well fed. The crates, as well as the garage, were clean and well kept. The temperature of the garage was comfortable. With a big heart for animals, especially cats, he never saw anything inside or outside her home that led him to question Marcia’s desire or ability to feed and care for own cats or for the cats she rescued. 

Within the past year, we adopted our second cat, Milo, from Happy Cat Rescue. Because he had volunteered for Happy Cat Rescue, Ben was given the cat of his choice without an adoption fee.

He and I went to Marcia’s home and viewed all of the cats in the garage. The garage was well kept, clean, and a comfortable temperature. The cats and their crates were clean and the cats content.

Ben chose a beautiful white Turkish Angora cat with medium length fur, which is difficult to keep clean. Its coat was spotless. Marcia invited us into her home to complete the adoption paperwork. Again, the house was clean and well kept and the cats were happy. 

Very soon after adopting Milo, we took him to the vet. Besides being FIV positive, as Marcia had informed us, Milo was/is healthy and happy, playful, and affectionate. He had been neutered and came with his vet records and shots. She even lent us a crate in which to safely transport him.

With six pets of my own, plus fosters, I can attest that it is not easy taking care of many (often traumatized) animals, financially, legally, physically, or emotionally and most people don’t try to do it. Yet luckily, a few compassionate people still take all of those risks to save lives. 

Thank you for considering this information. 

Alice K. Berke, Esq.

Guilderland