3 Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven board members ‘mutually agree’ to step down

Published 10:01 am Friday, March 6, 2026

Three new board members of the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven have now stepped down, following uproar from the community regarding changes at the non-profit organization.

A press release was issued by the board on Friday morning (March 6) announcing that Ayelet Cohen, Chris Kamachi, and Rebeka Breder have resigned from the board of directors effective immediately.

“Due to misunderstandings surrounding the recent appointments of three board members, it was mutually agreed that stepping down is in the best interest of the Society to allow the organization to move forward with clarity and unity,” the release said.

They added that “online rumours” have been damaging the organization and distracting from their work with cats in Chilliwack.

But the release also states that “the board is permitted to appoint directors to fill vacancies and strengthen governance capacity, up to 9 members,” under the Societies Act and the Safe Haven’s own bylaws.

“Over the past decade, the organization has faced ongoing challenges in attracting, obtaining, and electing skilled and experienced board members willing to serve in a volunteer governance capacity. Director appointments have been one of the mechanisms used to ensure operational stability and appropriate oversight.”

Supporters of the Safe Haven have been asking Chilliwack animal lovers to join the organization as voting members, in an attempt to oust the current board in an upcoming meeting. Many have expressed fear that a Richmond organization is attempting a “hostile takeover.”

Interim executive director Bernadette Maguire has been fighting back against that assumption, in social media groups and via press releases.

“The board would also like to address widespread misinformation suggesting that the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is taking over the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven,” the March 6 press release said. “This is simply not true and never has been. The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven remains an independent organization governed by its own board of directors. In spite of repeatedly dismissing this rumour, a GoFundMe program was started unnecessarily. Ideally these funds could have gone to the cats in our care.”

The newest announcement comes six days organizational consultant Eyal Litchmann also stepped down from his work with the Safe Haven board.

“Whereas we would like to have taken advantage of their expertise to grow our own operations again we recognize the need to take these actions to promote collaboration,” the release said.

The release included a two-page list of “key clarifications,” underlining that the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven is a no-kill shelter.

“This means we do not euthanize a cat because it has high medical needs or associated costs. We take in cats with significant medical and special needs who might otherwise have nowhere to go, and we are committed not only to providing high-quality care but also to adopting cats into loving, forever homes whenever possible.”

Some supporters have been wondering why the number of cats is so low during what’s known as “kitten season.”

“Over the past two months, more than 56 cats have been adopted into homes, including several long-term residents who are now enjoying their new families and cozy beds,” the release explained via their Forever Foster Program.

“Cats with complex or lifelong medical conditions are placed in dedicated foster homes while the Safe Haven continues to support their medical needs.”

They said that those who find stray cats, can contact them at info@thesafehaven.ca or call the staff line at 604-997-0079 for assistance. We are not turning cats away from receiving care.

“We are not sending cats to other rescues,” they said. “We hope to fundraise in the coming months and years for much-needed capital improvements and renovations that will allow us to house and care for more cats. Please know that we are still here to help our community and are not going anywhere.”

They are also looking for more volunteers and have created new volunteer positions.

Last year, the organization logged 10,000 volunteer hours.