It was a mass killing that sickened the entire world–the mass slaughter of 100 sled dogs near Whistler, British Columbia last April. But thanks to the Sled Dog Task Force report that was released today, the highest animal protection standards in Canada will be added to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act this fall in hopes that something like this can never happen again.
Included among the report’s 10 recommendations was an increase in the penalties for the most serious offenders to a maximum $75,000 in fines instead of the existing $10,000 and 24 months imprisonment instead of the current six months. There are also plans to extend the statute of limitations for prosecution under the act from its current six months.
Unfortunately however, under the current provincial animal protection legislation, time has run out to bring charges in connection with the April 2010 sled dog slaughter in Whistler, British Columbia. Instead, charges are being contemplated under the Criminal Code’s animal cruelty laws, which has the additional onus for investigators to prove intent.
“I was absolutely appalled when I learned of the tragic and senseless killings of those animals. The humane treatment of animals whether they are working animals or family pets is something everyone in British Columbia cares deeply about, as they should, because we will be judged as humans in the way we treat animals….we will be taking action on every one of the recommendations of the Sled Dog Task Force report,” said Premier Christy Clark, who added “it was a terrible black eye for B.C.”
The task force was headed by veterinarian and Member of Legislative Assembly for Kamloops North Thompson British Columbia Terry Lake, who said that while the task force received many petitions calling for a ban on the entire industry they felt the majority of sled dogs live “very fulfilled lives, some better than most family pets.”
Meanwhile, the current high profile investigation into the Whistler, British Columbia sled dog massacre has completed the first phase and investigators are now waiting for the ground to thaw so they can dig up the mass grave of the sled dogs. After the slaughter came to the public’s attention, Outdoor Adventures which ran Howling Dog Tours in Whistler, British Columbia suspended its sled dog operations.
As to the results of the Sled Dog Task Force report, Kirby Brown, the vice-president of Outdoor Adventures released this statement:
“Outdoor Adventures at Whistler (OAW) fully supports the BC Provincial Sled Dog Task Force recommendations which will lead to strong regulations, increased oversight and the toughest animal welfare legislation in Canada. We also support the recommendation to develop standard of care and best practice guidelines for sled dog operations. OAW continues to work with the SPCA and RCMP on their on-going investigations.”
Story By Elaine Furst For Dog Files
I have to say I am really disgusted with the use of the word ” culling”! on the 100 slaughtered huskie’s in B.C.
The person editing the story on this is either “nieve” or just ignorant when it come’s to the real story.
And doe’s not realize that for alot of folk’s, They are our best friend’s our buddie’s our children they are a big
part of my life. So I am also saying, say it like it is.
Here’s two definitions of Culling: 1. An inferior or surplus livestock animal selected for killing 2. An organized killing of selected animals.
When we publish news stories we try to keep the story somewhat neutral and just the facts. Of course, we aren’t always successful because of how much we love dogs!
We also try and separate out our opinions from the facts.
But I’m only one person with one or two people that help out once in awhile and we make our fair share of mistakes. ; )
Okay, it is one idiot who did a very bad thing. We don’t tell people to stop skiing because one of them dies. Bad stuff happens, punish the person not the sport.
PS: It’s only thanks to animal research that you’ll be able to protest for 23.5 years longer ;P