Loki’s Gift

As  it now stands,  the first reading before NT Legislative Committee of the Finalized and Revised NT Dog Act has been put off yet again to Fall 2010, members will be back to work October 2010.  By that time snow will be on the ground and temperatures will be dropping daily.  This is the third postponment and as stated in the May 6, 2010 letter received from MACA Minister Robert McLeod :  “MACA has finalized the legislative proposal for Dog Act amendments, and has submitted the legislative proposal.  It is unknown at this time when the amendments will be introduced in the LegisLative Assembly; however, it is likely that the first reading of the bill may occur in the fall 2010 session.”

Notice the words used:  “unknown” and “likely”…in otherwords a 50% chance that this could again be postponed.

In June 2010 the Humane Society International Canada and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies wrote their own letters at my request, to Min. McLeod urging him to expedite this important piece of legislation.  Only July 21, 2010 the Animal Defense League of Canada also wrote to Mr. McLeod urging him to do this.

Recent conversations with two supporting MLA’s revealed a disturbing fact, that continued strong opposition to Animal Protection is coming from northern MLA’s and communities as this sought after animal protection is apparently being mis-interrupted by some that it will infringe on traditional hunting rights.  Not so, wildlife is protected under entirely different legislation.

Further, while not said in an absolute fashion, the message to not hold one’s breath for the comprehensive Animal Protection Act for which this campaign is pushing, was loud and clear, despite written assurances from Mr. McLeod that the GNWT “continues to work towards a comprehensive Animal Protection Act”, that the “amended Dog Act is an interim measure”.

Below are just a few of the scathing comments submitted with the newest petition signatures.

Jun 23, 2010,Lana Marie DeNoni, Canada

This is absolutely disgusting & shocking that it is happening here!!!! The people who inflict this cruelty to these dogs/cats or any animal for that matter need to be accountable. THERE must be laws for the animals protection. I would think – should this continue to get out there (it will) will definately effect the tourism to the area. People will not put up with this. As far as heritage or what we do ‘up here’ means nothing!! It’s people that continue to cause animals great pain & suffering — it has to stop!! People that do it MUST pay the price – jail & fined.

# 540:

Jun 23, 2010, Claudia Elliott, Canada
Come on Canada! You’re embarrasing me! Time to stiffen the laws with jail time not misdemeaners slaps on hands to animal abusers, killers, and neglectors.

# 347:

Jun 22, 2010, Andrea Clarke, Canada
Please, act on this NOW. This unconscionalbe delay in enacting animal cruelty laws show me that animal cruelty is condoned in Canada’s North. Once again, I am ashamed to be Canadian… Seal clubbing, puppy mills in Quebec, now this… Please if you are from another country spend your tourist dollars elsewhere- and write to the Canadian Government explaining that until animals are truly protected here, you will never visit Canada.

In addition to these signatures, individuals have also been writing to MACA Minister Robert McLeod on their own urging the passing of the finalized and revised Dog Act.

To view sampling of scathing comments contained with signatures on this newest petition to NWT MACA Min. R. McLeod and browse the signatures yourselves please go to the link provided below.   If you support positive Legislative change to protect the dogs that continue to suffer in the NWT, please sign petition to send a
…clear message that animal cruelty will no longer be tolerated and further postponements are unacceptable.

Should you wish to write your own letters urging the Minister to enact this legislation please write to:

Hon. Robert McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

P.O. Box 1320, Legislative Assembly Building, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9

PETITION SITE AND LINK:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/protecting-northern-animals See MoreEnd the Horrors – The Petition Site www.thepetitionsite.com Please put an end to decades of compacency and unending animal cruelty and suffering. (700 signatures on petition)

As for the 23 puppies seized in the recent raid on May 29th, their fate remains unknown, likely pending a court decision.  The puppies remain at the shelter.  The status of the other 83 dogs left on that property remains a mystery.  Are they alive or dead….

To view published accounts recording the history of unprosecuted animal creulty in the Northwest Territories Canada please click on links below and also view Archived Blog posts.

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/1997-07/jul25_97dog.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2005-05/may9_05NNdog.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/1997-07/jul4_97dog.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2003-12/dec8_03pup.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2002-08/aug19_02dog.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2001-12/dec7_01spc.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2009-01/jan12_09dgs.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2003-06/jun25_03dog.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2004-01/jan23_04vet.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2005-02/feb9_05sp.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2005-02/feb7_05dog.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2005-02/feb2_05dg.html