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Boycott Whistler Sled Dog Cruelty Industry! Justice Not Served!
posted on November 22, 2012

Boycott Whistler Sled Dog Cruelty Industry! Justice Not Served!

November 22, 2012

NEWS RELEASE (Updated)

Boycott Whistler Sled Dog Cruelty Industry! Justice NOT served!
Crown lawyer claims it was not about the morality of euthanizing sled dogs but only the “nine” of the slaughtered 56 who they said suffered. In spite of laying out the gory details, Crown recommended no jail time (3 year probation), $5000 fine, 200 hours of volunteer work, lifetime ban on “custody and care of controlled animals”, 10 year ban on possessing firearms, and psychological help. Crown claims Fawcett suffered from public threats after the killings and post traumatic stress from the brutal killing of “100” dogs who he reported 100 dogs to WorkSafeBC.

Judge then ruled for no jail time (3 year probation), $1500 fine, 200 hours of community work service, and no participation in the sled dog industry or making decisions about “euthanizing” animals. He can still own animals. The judge suggested that perhaps the public reaction against Fawcett was too much. So pity for him while no justice for those dogs and dogs who continue to be exploited.

“So much for the Liberals and SPCA claims that there is now better protection for sled dogs (even though the SPCA had complained that any new rules would be hard to enforce without more money for them). In addition, there was proposed legislation to transfer Animal Abuse appeals from the B.C. Supreme Court to the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board. That would make it even easier for animal abusers,” stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Director, “Over 2.5 years after the Whistler dog slaughter there is only a slap on the bloodied hands of Bob Fawcett and noone else was charged. This is a major setback for animal rights. “

Was Fawcett the fall guy? Big money is protecting big players? In the Whistler case did Bob Fawcett act alone? There were definitely plans that included others prior to and during the 3 day killing period. For example, a “manager” blocked the killing site with a truck and had radio contact to Fawcett (Fawcett also thought he might shoot himself). There were accomplices who had knowledge of and participated. They include the owners at Outdoor Adventures who ordered it due to a decline of business. There were accessory(s) with direct involvement.

Hamilton added, “The government must start getting tough on animal abusers by banning the sled dog abuse industry! Incredibly, at the brief Task Force meeting Terry Lake denied Lifeforce’s request for a moment of silence for sled dogs. No true respect for abused sled dogs. Lots of pr spin to protect Whistler and BC Tourism NOT the dogs.’

“Terry Lake, Sled Dog Task Force, misled all about the Whistler sled dog slaughter being an “aberration” when it was proven that cruelties are inherent in the sled dog tourism and racing industries, the Liberals helped form a Mushers' Association that protects the industry not the dogs, and the recent guidelines permitted the continuance of 24/7 chaining, inhumane shooting and all the other abuses. Then, probably with some expensive legal advice, Outdoor Adventures “donated” their business and it is now operating as Whistler Sled Dog Company. So it was business as usual for the sled dog abuse industry in BC,” stated Hamilton.

Lifeforce will be planning new campaigns to stop the inhumane tourism and racing sled dog industry. The Lifeforce petition is being sent to the three Whistler Dog Sled Companies, Outdoor Adventures (the company that slaughtered a reported 100 dogs), Whistler Tourism, and Premier Christy Clark. Since March 6th there are presently over 725 signatures.

Stop Whistler Sled Dog Cruelty Industry! Petition
Click to Sign Petition.

Lifeforce has also started the Facebook “Stop Whistler Sled Dog Cruelty Industry!”
Sign Petition Here.

Lifeforce report, The Case Against Sled Dog Industriesť
Read it here.

Former SPCA Investigator Believes Sled Dog Killer Could Have Been Stopped
See photos of past abuses.