Nova Scotia Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

:: Update ::

2011-11-04T03:15:00.000-03:00

BACKGROUND • In this case, Halifax is seeking a court order to kill Brindi as an “additional penalty”. • This is a repeat of the first trial in 2009-2010, in which her owner was charged for three by-law violations – but not until six months after the event, and immediately after the city lost its case in supreme court, but refused to return Brindi. • Brindi’s health has suffered from three

It certainly IS stranger than fiction

2011-11-04T02:29:00.000-03:00

A few weeks ago, there was an article in one of the online papers about a woman who was knocked down by a dog at the beach. The dog, who was running at large at the time of the incident, went for her throat. That's pretty serious stuff. I have been in a lot of different situations involving dogs through the rescue work I do, but NEVER have I experienced anything like that. I can only imagine the

Judge hears positive evidence on Brindi, sets April 30 for decision

2010-04-19T17:18:00.003-03:00

The headlines following last Friday's sentencing hearing for Brindi and her owner were very clear. This story was run by local papers from Pictou to Moose Jaw, as the one below. So Brindi is truly nation-wide! Dog at centre of N.S. court battle showed no signs of aggression: trainerPublished on April 16th, 2010 Ted Efthymiadis said in provincial court Friday that he did several behavioural

Principles: who are they kidding?

2010-03-21T18:14:00.010-03:00

Last week, we posted a letter to the Chronicle-Herald from the group, Humane Halifax, which pointed out connections between reporter Pat Lee and various "animal advocates" and SPCA members, suggesting a lack of objectivity, if not a serious bias, in Ms. Lee's March 10 article about "re-homing" Brindi, a scheme put forward in public by the SPCA as well as these "advocates" (among them, a former

Um, what were they saying about "irresponsible"?

2010-03-16T21:47:00.019-03:00

Today, a man was attacked by a dog in the pound so severely that he had to be taken to the hospital. Published: 2010-03-16Man bitten at Metro SPCAPest control technician treated at hospital after attackBy PATRICIA BROOKS ARENBURG Staff Reporter A man was taken to hospital after he was bitten by a dog at the Metro SPCA shelter. Police and paramedics were called to the animal shelter at 5 Scarfe

A Reader's Response to the Herald's "A Dog's Life in HRM"

2010-03-16T21:34:00.004-03:00

Da-dum & dumber idea; and a dog’s life in HRM BEV DAUPHINEE Sat. Mar 13 - 4:54 AM ... UNFORTUNATELY, in HRM, one story has been dragging on far too long: the sad saga of Brindi, the six-year-old dog that has spent most of the last two years living in an SPCA shelter. This week, a judge delayed proceedings until April 16 after Brindi’s owner, Francesca Rogier, asked for time to have a

Media Exposure

2010-03-14T14:37:00.006-03:00

Copied to us from a friend in Humane Halifax... From: Humane Halifax [mailto:humanehalifax@yahoo.ca] Sent: Sat 13/03/2010 5:14 PM To: (the local media and HRM councilors) Cc: humane_halifax@yahoo.groups.ca Subject: Personal bias should not be part of Herald's news coverage of Brindi March 13, 2010 To the HRM council, the Chronicle-Herald, and the local media of Halifax: We have learned that

An Even Better Option: Trainer's Standing Offer to Work With Brindi and Owner

2010-03-13T19:10:00.008-04:00

As we have said, we fail to comprehend the logic that Ottenbrite and co. offer, which says "Brindi is a good dog..." but should be re-homed. Really? We can't imagine that the judge will order Brindi destroyed after seeing the evidence, which is plentiful. (At the same time, it's not a foregone conclusion.) Sadly, it seems the Chronicle-Herald is printing article after article about the

What makes Joan Sinden so sure?

2010-03-10T00:01:00.006-04:00

Joan Sinden's at it again. She just can't help herself. Stop us if you've heard this one already... But at New Year's, she posted a resolution that she would no longer engage in flinging mud (in so many words) at others, especially, she implied, Brindi's owner, Francesca Rogier. That resolution was very short-lived. Today she posted another in a series of long diatribes that she seems to

BRINDI MYTH - BRINDI FACT

2010-03-06T22:24:00.000-04:00

One click! For more info on other Halifax dog cases from January 2007 to November 2009, see By-Law Prosecutions, extracted from documents on all types of by-law violations, posted on halifax.ca. Updates are made whenever the city releases new files. (To obtain more details about the cases, one must appear in person and request files case by case. We have done this on a few occasions so far.)

A COMMON BRINDI QUESTION: "Something doesn't add up here!"

2010-03-02T18:00:00.009-04:00

A very astute observation. Yes, something does NOT add up... From a facebook post and an in-depth answer to it:"Unfortunately Brindi's owner proved herself to be an irresponsible owner by not keeping her muzzled and in her yard as was suppose to be done, she was also given three chances to correct that problem." This is not quite true, and sadly, it is one of the pesky annoying things about

A case from B.C.: Two Dogs Fare Better Than One?

2010-03-01T23:54:00.001-04:00

Pair of dogs get benefit of the doubt after owner appeals death sentenceSupreme Court justice agrees to give owner another chance to state her caseBY IAN MULGREW, VANCOUVER SUNSEPTEMBER 5, 2009Sometimes justice goes to the dogs, like this week when B.C. Supreme Court Justice Doug Halfyard spared the life of a couple of half-breeds.Zack, a German shepherd cross, and Chloe, a black Labrador cross,

Listen to Olive, not Joan!

2010-02-28T21:04:00.004-04:00

Joan Sinden is convinced: she believes this blog is written by the latest person she would like to see suffer. Today's lucky object is Francesca Rogier. Not with any faith that it would be posted or even believed, but with a sense of duty, and revulsion as well, after seeing the comments from her usual fan base, we have posted the following comment on Joan's blog. She has convinced these people

The SPCA makes a FABULOUS DISCOVERY: Brindi is a peaceful, non-aggressive dog!

2010-02-26T05:54:00.002-04:00

We thought they weren't supposed to notice. Or were deliberately not noticing. We thought they were not involved in the decision or the outcome of the case in ANY way. After all, they posted a lot of news releases to this effect, and SPCA members repeated it on countless FB groups, blogs, and online newspaper comments, anytime people wanted to know why the "charity" (we use the word loosely)

How bright is Bob Ottenbrite, Councilor Wile?

2010-02-25T21:31:00.014-04:00

REPLY FROM HRM COUNCILOR TO A PLEA TO LET BRINDI GO BACK HOME TO HER OWNER SENT BY A MEMBER OF HUMANE HALIFAX: From: Mary Wile To: VS Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:07 PM Subject: Re: Brindi Mrs. S- there is another option and that is a Mr. Bob Ottenbrite, a well-known dog trainer, who help train Brindi,, said he would take the dog and Francesca can visit

Dog bites old lady in NB - gets probation. Are you listening, HRM?

2010-02-25T17:37:00.006-04:00

We were very interested to see this story in light of the fate of Brindi, who has been given far less of a chance for committing much less serious offenses. We also learned directly from the reporter that in spite of its behavior and its owner's lack of control, the majority of folks in Hampton united firmly behind this woman in a determined campaign to save Sophie and get her back home. Remember

More perplexing SPCA decisions...

2010-02-18T19:53:00.003-04:00

Fate of dog before N.L. courtLast Updated: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 | 3:57 PM NT Comments58Recommend23CBC NewsThe SPCA in St. John's wants the court's permission to put down this dog, arguing that it is dangerous and aggressive.(CBC)An eight-year-old Alaskan malamute named Girlie is at the heart of a court case in St. John's that pits the SPCA against the dog's owner.The Society for the

The SPCA and the Truth

2010-02-14T07:23:00.003-04:00

We are grateful for the following comments in reference to a recent blog post on Free Brindi about SPCA Executive Director Kristin Williams' recent letter to the Herald defending her organization's role in "caring" for Brindi: "The SPCA is never in favour of euthanasia where a viable alternative exists..." Looking at the statistics from the SPCA regarding animals received, placed and killed in

The Perpetrators Prosecute Other People

2010-02-05T00:32:00.014-04:00

Well, the three-month deadline for the detention of property has long passed. Janice Bingley's dogs are property, and Nova Scotia provincial law (see section E, Summary Proceedings Act) clearly says no law enforcement agency can legally detain property beyond three months' time without permission for an extension from a judge. The SPCA has no such permission and could not likely get an extension,

The Hypocriticalympics: the Best of the Worst in Justice and Freedom for None

2010-01-30T02:55:00.022-04:00

Now competing in the big arena, it's the champs of the chumps, the golden boys of bullying, the brightest band of bums, terrifying teams in a tight competition for those coveted hypocritimedals! Who gets the gold? In the yellow stripes, Mayor Peter Kelly, for acquiescing to staff who forbid him from setting Brindi free, way back in October 2008? Way to be a leader! (Who elected that "staff"??)

Pawsitive Directions is Rescued!

2009-12-04T16:10:00.004-04:00

GOOD NEWS!!!!"I have just found out the Pawsitive Directions Canine Program has been saved!!! Contracts were just signed to ensure the continuity of the program. Thank you to everyone for your generous support and know that without your help, this would not have been possible." Wonderful news! Bravo, CSC and all involved!!

Program serving women, dogs, and children is put down

2009-12-04T04:40:00.030-04:00

A little-known but highly successful and internationally acclaimed program benefitting three different constituencies has been cut. We wonder: how can this bad bureacratic behavior be corrected?Correctional service yanks dog training program at Truro women's prisonBy PAT LEE Staff ReporterThu. Dec 3 - 4:44 PMCorrectional Service of Canada has pulled the plug on a unique dog training program at

Update on the Bingley case: documents and media

2009-12-01T23:23:00.002-04:00

Janice Bingley has made her documents available here. CTV Halifax covered the story in the 6 pm news, Dec. 1; and The News of Pictou covered it as well.

The NS SPCA's Christmas ultimatum: Pay now or forever lose your dogs!

2009-11-29T13:35:00.026-04:00

In an action we find difficult to explain from the known laws, the SPCA has issued an itemized bill totaling close to $16,000 to Janice Bingley, owner of 22 dogs seized in mid-October, half of them Great Danes just two weeks old, with their allegedly emaciated mother. Bingley and her friends recently described the bill, which she received a few days ago, on a Facebook group. The tally of

Still no charges laid against Bingley

2009-11-17T07:39:00.016-04:00

"Hard to think this has gone on for four weeks now and still no charges," commented a friend on Facebook last night. A lot of discussion surrounds the saga of these 22 dogs, about 14 of them puppies, seized in October from owner Janice Bingley in Westville by the SPCA. Bingley says her lawyer, her MLA, and her vet have all attempted to contact the SPCA for information about pending charges and

CBC story:

2009-11-12T18:41:00.008-04:00

Halifax area seeks new animal shelterLast Updated: Friday, November 6, 2009 | 6:00 PM AT Comments10Recommend8CBC NewsThe Halifax Regional Municipality is looking for a new animal shelter service to house rescued and neglected dogs, cats and exotic animals.The city is looking for a shelter with a minimum of 15 kennels for dogs, five for cats and at least one for other animals such as ferrets and

Do Animal Control Authorities (dog catchers) have to be nincompoops?

2009-11-10T20:36:00.003-04:00

“Tyranny” in animal control enforcementfrom the Canada Free PressBy Dean A. Ayers Thursday, August 20, 2009Do Animal Control Services (sometimes misnamed as a “Humane Society)” enforce animal control duties thru tyranny without “due process” or justice or even a nuisance complaint? Do Animal Control Authorities (dog catchers) have to be “nincompoops” to work for Animal Control Services (

Westville SPCA Raid: right or wrong?

2009-10-26T13:06:00.008-03:00

It's not clear exactly which criteria are used to decide when suspected abuse should lead to a seizure. Doubtless, the SPCA acts only when it thinks it has good reasons. To track down real abuse, the SPCA is bound to rely heavily on calls from neighbors. Only the most persistent neighbors - some goodhearted, some with other motives - seem to succeed in bringing about an investigation. Sorting the

Dog fatally injures kitten: $300 plus court fees, no problem.

2009-10-25T23:51:00.008-03:00

From some members of Humane Halifax who attended provincial court last week, we heard about three cases of A300 violations. In one, the charges were dismissed by the judge, who said the city had insufficient evidence. The owner of a dog who was attacked by the offending dog was present and testified. Normally, that is the only sort of evidence available, barring photos of injuries or vet bills.

And another!

2009-08-06T23:19:00.004-03:00

The Chronicle Herald must be getting quite a few letters these days, since they've been so reticent in the past year... Being held hostageAs I read recent letters to the editor, I see that poor dog Brindi is still being held in the shelter in Burnside. It has been over a year that this dog has been held hostage.I understand that there are some fines for the owner to pay, but let the dog out. I am

And there's more!

2009-08-02T20:27:00.004-03:00

Today's Chronicle Herald contained yet another letter to the editor: Support for BrindiHope Bridgewater of Wentworth (July 30 letter) writes in defence of the dog Brindi, whom HRM appears determined to kill: "It is easier to stand by and say nothing, but my conscience compels me to ask HRM to drop the charges, to allow Ms. Rogier to take Brindi home after his long stay at the SPCA shelter and, in

No justice for Brindi -- even after one year?

2009-08-01T20:55:00.007-03:00

But at least the newspaper finally printed a few letters... Drop the chargesMahatma Gandhi stated, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Currently, Halifax Regional Municipality’s animal control bylaws and their application contradict the great philosopher in regard to the court case of Francesca Rogier and her dog Brindi.A Nova

PR vs. news

2009-06-22T18:20:00.001-03:00

Here is a report from ABC News from 2005 about SPCA's across North America that we find very illuminating.With the current problems in Ontario, and the Ed Chase story in BC, and others in between, we are hopeful that the media will continue to investigate SPCA issues across Canada. Nobody should assume that all SPCA's are bad, or that they are bad all the time. Clearly they perform a vital

And what ever happened to the guy who stabbed the St. Bernard?

2009-06-09T13:46:00.003-03:00

Nothing, as far as we hear. No word on whether he was charged with A300 violations - owning a dog that runs at large, owning a dog that attacks animals, and possibly, owning a dog without a license.No media reports since the first few days. Wonder why??? Could it have something to do with the fact that he wields a knife and is a violent person? That might scare off an untrained animal control

The tides are turning in Ontario: will they reach our shores?

2009-06-09T13:42:00.004-03:00

Newspaper ad running currently: Please write to the Toronto Sun and the Globe and Mail.· If you have been bullied or threatened by the OSPCA. · With OSPCA financial information re: legal costs, confidential settlements. · With information about how the OSPCA treats its employees.· With information about how the OSPCA treats animals at OSPCA shelters. · If your

Angry about Animal Control

2009-05-19T21:40:00.006-03:00

A friend forwarded the message below and writes:I think this story is great for showing the inconsistencies in Animal Control & the by-law. We have Brindi, who never bit a person & here's a dog that bit a few people and other dogs, and is still at home. But Brindi is locked up for 10 months.Hello, Last year I was bitten by the neighbour's German Sheppard (sic) and I couldn't get Animal Services

Update on Mr. Beazley

2009-05-15T02:12:00.008-03:00

Mr. Beazley, the St. Bernard stabbed last weekend, seems to be recovering well. Get well soon, Mr. BeazleyCouple’s beloved dog stabbedBy DAN ARSENAULT Crime ReporterA 56-year-old Dartmouth man is facing numerous charges after he allegedly stabbed a dog Saturday afternoon in Dartmouth.According to police, the attack took place while a couple were walking their leashed St. Bernard on a trail from

Man and dog released after both attack other dog

2009-05-11T17:36:00.009-03:00

Man accused of stabbing dog, threatening ownersBy DAN ARSENAULT Crime ReporterBy DAN ARSENAULT Crime Reporter Tue. May 12 - 2:29 PMHalifax Regional Police charged a 56-year-old man after he allegedly stabbed a dog on a leash Saturday afternoon in Dartmouth. According to police, the attack took place while a couple were walking their leashed Saint Bernard on a trail from Princess Margaret

Halifax is burning

2009-05-05T13:53:00.001-03:00

Joan's Disclaimer

2009-05-04T19:43:00.008-03:00

Spotted on CTV Atlantic Newstalk: (in reference to our first post, "RANDOM EMAIL")Joan Sinden wroteon April 26, 2009 at 8:15pmWell there's a lot of untruths in there - they said that Netta Armitage had her membership revoked, they said that Netta and I stopped supporting Zonda after the raid because we were getting too much flak, when in fact we stopped supporting her because we found out that

Contradictions and conflicts of interest: the case of a homeless man and his dog

2009-05-02T22:45:00.014-03:00

Contracts between the SPCA and municipalities abound, and pretty much all of them have a built-in conflict of interest. As a charity with a mission to protect animals from harm, the SPCA is receiving payment to act as pound operators and by-law enforcers. The contracts make them the agents of government, which compromises their mission and the basic role of an independent charity.In Surrey, BC,

Way to lead the parade

2009-04-28T01:33:00.009-03:00

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

Cruelty Investigations

2009-04-27T23:52:00.011-03:00

What is cruelty? The Nova Scotia SPCA is empowered under the provincial Animal Cruelty Prevention Act to investigate complaints of animal cruelty; help secure the arrest, conviction and punishment of all persons violating the Act; and, when necessary, seize animals from situations of cruelty or neglect. Animal cruelty is defined under the Act as:Willfully causing an animal unnecessary pain,

Commitment to Principles

2009-04-27T23:49:00.012-03:00

Adoption of domestic animals is facilitated through the branches of the Nova Scotia SPCA throughout the province. Shelters in Dartmouth, Kentville, New Glasgow, Sydney, Truro and Yarmouth, and foster-care networks in Antigonish, Lunenburg County and Liverpool, provide adoption services that help homeless animals find new, permanent homes. Nova Scotia SPCA branches are often overflowing with young

SPCA gets more money from province: what is HRM, chopped liver??

2009-04-26T17:01:00.005-03:00

Province gives $100,000 to SPCAMETRO CANADAApril 25, 2009 9:37 a.m.The province is giving $100,000 to the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help with new legislation.The Animal Protection Act, passed in November 2008, designates the SPCA as responsible for the enforcement of the companion animal portion of the act."The SPCA plays a significant role in assuring

RANDOM EMAIL BETWEEN A “CONVICTED ANIMAL ABUSER” AND TWO ANIMAL ADVOCATES IN NOVA SCOTIA

2009-04-24T04:36:00.011-03:00

April to October 2008 The SPCA raid of the Cape Breton Celtic Pets is widely known. However, many details are still shrouded in shadow. The following emails between Joan Sinden, Annette Armitage, and shelter operator Zonda Macisaac, makes us wonder what else there is to know. The SPCA seized dozens of dogs and cats. Some it put down immediately. Another group was shipped to

Another sample of Nova Scotia justice

2009-04-20T15:42:00.000-03:00

This story made it all across Canada.$5 Fine For Woman Who Drowned KittensProsecutor didn't expect to win in a trialby OfficialWire NewsDeskWINDSOR, NOVA SCOTIA CANADA — (OfficialWire) — 03/03/09 — A Canadian animal rights group in Nova Scotia is protesting a $5 fine given to a woman who admitted to drowning two newborn kittens in a bucket of water.Sean Kelly, chairman of the investigation

What it is

2009-03-30T15:32:00.000-03:00

Enough of hearsay, innuendo, insinuation, and intimidation. This blog is about documents and evidence that separate fact from fiction. The blogger(s) shall remain anonymous, but that doesn't mean the facts aren't real. We offer no proof and answer no challenges, but we have a feeling it will be pretty obvious to you how to decide for yourself.Welcome to a whole new world.