|
April 18, 2008, CALGARY
– The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) is concerned about the deaths of seven dogs
and cats who were poisoned recently in the Inglewood
area of Calgary
and is offering a $1,000 reward for information resulting in the conviction of
those responsible for committing these cruel acts.
The Humane Society of Canada is not only
concerned with these cases of poisoning, but also with the numerous cases of
animal cruelty that have occurred in Alberta
during the last few months.
“No circumstance warrants brutally killing pets
with poison,” says Michael O’Sullivan, HSC Executive Director. “Leaving poison
for pets is not only dangerous for the intended victims, but also for
unintended potential victims including young children and wildlife,” states an
angry O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan, whose family shares their home
with dogs and cats, wants to remind people that for everyone’s sake they need
to keep their pets under strict supervision at all times. “Our four legged friends depend on us for
their well being and that includes protecting them from those who would do them
harm,” he said.
Any owner who suspects their pet has been
poisoned should contact their veterinarian immediately.
“Cruelty to animals is a criminal offence,”
says O’Sullivan. “Recent changes to the Canadian Criminal Code mean that offenders
face maximum penalties of up to 5 years in prison for indictable offences and
for summary convictions - fines of up to $10,000 and up to eighteen months in jail.
In addition to the criminal record and fines, the person convicted can also be prohibited
from owning, having the custody or control of or residing in the same premises
as an animal or a bird for any period that the court considers appropriate but,
in the case of a second or subsequent offence, for a minimum of five years. Damages may be awarded by the court to the
person or organization that had to pay for the care of the animal as a result
of the offence.”
The Humane Society of Canada is asking for
the public’s help in dealing with those who commit such horrendous crimes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or The Humane Society of
Canada at 1-800-641-KIND (5463).
CONTACT:
Al
Hickey or Michael O'Sullivan by toll free 1-800-641-KIND or Michael on his cell
phone (416) 876-9685 or at www.humanesociety.com
[For more than 17 years, Al Hickey was the Chief Executive of the BC SPCA and
before that headed up the Alberta and BC Chambers of Commerce, and the
Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. He
has 6 grandchildren.
A father with two children, and a houseful of dogs and cats, O'Sullivan has
worked across Canada
and in over 100 countries during the last 40 years helping people, animals and
nature.]
The Humane Society works to protect dogs, cats, horses, birds, livestock, lab
animals, wildlife and the environment. They carry out hands on programs
to help animals and nature, mount rescue operations, expose cruelty through
hard hitting undercover investigations, work to pass laws to protect animals,
fund non-invasive scientific research, support animal shelters and wildlife
rehabilitation centres and spread the word about how to help animals and nature
through humane education.
A registered charity, The Humane Society of
Canada depends entirely on donations to support our programs to help animals
and the environment. All donations are gratefully acknowledged with a
receipt for income tax purposes. If you would like to support our
campaign to protect animals and the earth, please make a donation here. Because when it
comes to fighting cruelty, we don’t give up. Ever.
|
