Way to lead the parade

Last Sunday was a big day across the nation: rallies in seven or more cities to "Stop Animal Abuse With Effective Legislation". 

In Saint John there was a citizens rally to protect animals; another in Ottowa; and in Calgary there was a great turnout with lots of speeches including one that talked about Brindi, given by the founder of D.A.I.S.Y., Heather Anderson, with help from Dianne Ahe.  

Here is a link to check out and here's another.

Activists seek law with teeth
Animal abuse petition heads to OttawaCalgary Sun 

By JENNA MCMURRAY, SUN MEDIA

Last Updated: 27th April 2009, 1:43am

Nearly 100 activists lined 17 Ave. S.W. yesterday afternoon, hoping to gain support for a 20,000-signature strong petition aimed at strenghtening Canada's animal abuse laws.

The rally in Tomkins Park saw Calgarians of all ages advocate for the formerly proposed private members' bill C-373, which would establish stricter rules around animal abuse in Canada.

"The laws are so inadequate, it's unbelievable," said Heather Anderson, rally organizer.

"Animals can't speak for themselves, so if people sign petitions and talk to their MPs, maybe we'll finally see a change."

Calgary was one of seven cities across Canada to rally around the bill, which aims to eliminate the need for proof of vicious and intentional abuse in animal court cases.

It also states that pet owners should not be allowed to argue their animals are their property and therefore, they can do what they like with them.

Last spring, the federal government passed Bill S-203, which increased the penalties for animal abusers, including upping the maximum fine from $2,000 to $10,000.

But the bill left some loopholes, said Anderson, including a lack of criminalization for people who train dogs to fight and a lack of protection for wildlife or strays.

Lindsay Jones, a spokeswoman for the Calgary Humane Society, said she sees the impacts of animal abuse daily and that it is not something to be taken lightly.

"Once an animal is abused, it's very hard to gain their trust again; it can really complicate their futures," she said.

"Abuse on animals should be taken very seriously - as seriously as it would be on a human."

Jones said it's a known fact many animal abusers become involved in criminal activity later in life.

Activists are hoping to gather one million signatures from across Canada by this fall when Anderson and her colleagues will fly to Ottawa to present it to the House of Commons.

"I just can't fathom the thought of someone hurting innocent animals," said Crystal Janzen, who picketed at yesterday's rally with her Yorkie, Chewie. "We need to change the law and it's as simple as signing a petition."

JENNA.MCMURRAY@SUNMEDIA.CA

Sunday's national rally effort would have been a great opportunity to promote better legislation here in Nova Scotia. The last time Canada heard about anti-cruelty enforcement here was about the $5 fine issued to a Halifax woman who drowned cats. A perfect chance to rally for change! 

Public rallies are cheap. It just takes a group of people willing to put some time in to organize and to hit the streets. Totally in line with the goal of promoting stricter anti-cruelty sentencing, which we seem to really need. Maybe this will inspire our own animal advocates to get out there!