EDITOR,
As a perpetual dog owner and lover, I'm proud that our "Cleo" (part mastiff, part Lab) is a rescue dog (she would have been killed by her owner had we not taken her into our family). Cleo has visited patients in hospital, watched innumerable soccer games and is a welcome member of my kids' school community.
The "culling" of dogs in Whistler was a despicable act and I hope the perpetrators will be investigated by the RCMP.
What a shame the Whistler dogs did not get "rescued," too.
Canadians are shocked by the "culling" report. MPs in the House rose today to express our indignation.
Our federal government supports the fight against animal cruelty. We need to send the message that animal cruelty is unacceptable in Canadian society.
That is why our government helped pass Bill S-203 into law during the last Parliament. This is a bill that increased the maximum penalty to five years for acts of animal cruelty.
Our government believes that Bill S-203 delivered an added measure of protection for all animals. We remain open to future initiatives to combat animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, most readers will join me in expressing regret that the Whistler dogs who perished in the "cull" may have missed their calling.
John Weston, MP
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
West Vancouver
