The Stories of Daisy Duke, Midnight, and Samus

I have a story to tell you. There once was a man who owned a kitten. The kitten needed a home where he could be given all the attention he desired. So the man put the kitten up for adoption and another man came to adopt him. This second man, seemingly nice, took the kitten that very night. The little kitten was never seen or heard from ever again. It is believed the adopting man either killed, tortured, or sold the kitten to a laboratory. That kitten was named Samus Aran. I was the owner.

While we have pursued the matter further with an investigation through the SPCA, nothing has come of it. We lack sufficient evidence to prove without a doubt that the adopter is a cat killer. There is, however, circumstantial evidence that indicates he has killed, tortured, and disposed of at least one cat that he adopted in the past 2 years. Without hard evidence against him, there is little we can do.

The problem is not so much our lack of evidence, as it is the minimal punishment this man will receive should he be charged with animal cruelty. The maximum penalty in Canada for animal abuse/cruelty is 6 months in jail, a $2,000 fine, and a ban on owning pets for 2 years. That's it. And keep in mind that it is 6 months in jail, JAIL NOT PRISON. Laws in Canada for the protection of animals are severely lacking. Not only haven't they been changed since 1982, but they are slaps on the wrist at best. There is nothing to stop such a person from waiting the 2 years and then doing it again.

Recently, there was a case in Didsbury, Alberta whereby 2 boys (one 19 and the other 17) duct taped a dog's muzzle and front and back paws, attached a tow-rope to her neck and then dragger her behind their car for at least 3 blocks. The damage was so severe that she was put down. That dog was Daisy Duke, and the boys are now being charged with animal abuse (see link below to CBC.ca).

In the U.S., laws against animal cruelty have much more fitting sentences. Fines can range between $250 and $100,000 (Colorado), and imprisonment can range from a couple of months to 15 years (Delaware). Some states have penalties that include community service, while other cases are left to the discretion of the court.

I have appended a link to a petition that is being sent to the Canadian government to lobby for the support of Bill C-373 (formerly known as C-50, C-17, C-15, C-15B, C-10, C-10B, C-22). Please sign it. The Canadian government is now in a position to make things right and to get this Bill moving along. Since its initial introduction in 1999, it has been bumped due to elections, and other Parliamentary obstacles. 7 years is too long to get a Bill passed! Way too long! Consider how many Canadians are pet owners. Now consider how many of them would be upset if someone else abused, tortured, or killed their pet. How many of you would be upset if someone abused your pet?

This means something to me, and I would appreciate it if y'all would sign. Should we ever get enough evidence to bust the guy who took Samus, we need these laws in place to make him pay for what he's done. So for Samus' sake, and for the sake of all pets, domestic and stray, please spread the word, sign the petition or write to your MP for support of Bill C-373.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2006/11/06/dog-courtapp.html
http://www.petitiononline.com/Midnite1/petition.html
http://cfhs.ca/law/federal_legislation/
http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=89449