In Vancouver, on July 18, a two-year-old German shepherd dog named Captain was discovered in a dumpster. He was emaciated, cut, stabbed, and brutally beaten to the point of being rendered quadriplegic. Despite desperate attempts to save him Captain died the following day from cardiac arrest. Captain's owner, Brian Whitlock, subsequently pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in relation to Captain's death. Sentencing is scheduled for June 4 of this year. Captain's death spurred thousands (many from Prince George) to sign petitions, to support the improvement of animal cruelty legislation. These signatures continue to be presented to the House of Commons in Ottawa. This is good, but for laws to be effective, they must be enforced. Judges need to give out meaningful sentences, sending a strong message that animal abuse will not be tolerated. The link between animal cruelty and violence against humans is well documented. Animal abusers can also be a threat to people. I appeal to the judge presiding over Captain's case to impose a sentence that reflects the magnitude of the crime.
Jane Young,
Prince George
