http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/09/22/bc-puppy-shot.html

Last Updated: Monday, September 22, 2008 | 9:12 PM ET
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CBC News

The fatal shooting in B.C. of a 12-year-old cancer survivor's dog has
sparked what amounts to a cyber-lynch mob on a social networking
website.

Hundreds of people have joined at least three groups on the hugely
popular Facebook, voicing their outrage over the death of Seymour, the
Quadra Island puppy that belonged to Max Rose, who is recovering from
cancer and faces lasting disabilities.

Victoria resident Cody Wellard, 31, turned himself in to police two
days after the Sept. 13 incident, saying the shooting of the 14-week-
old Jack Russell terrier was an accident. He was released on a promise
to appear in court in Campbell River on Oct. 13. The RCMP is seeking
charges for careless use of a firearm and endangering an animal.

Comments on the Facebook site include one urging people to "lynch"
Wellard at his court appearance; others said "we should get him," that
"he'll need protection that day," and one even said "he deserves to
die."

An obviously phoney and heavily doctored photograph of Wellard holding
a gun to the head of a poodle was also posted.

CBC News was told photos of Wellard's children and his home address
had been posted on the site, but were removed. There was no answer
Monday at Wellard's home when a CBC News reporter visited.

Wellard has not called the RCMP saying he has been harassed or
threatened, a spokesman for the Mounties said Monday.

Until he does, the spokesman said, the RCMP is not going to be
spending time reading the Facebook postings.

John Gaiptman, superintendent of schools for the Greater Victoria
School District, said Wellard's children have not been threatened.

"From all reports, everyone seems to be getting along well, and there
certainly hasn't been any issues at the school — and we certainly hope
it will remain that way," he told CBC News on Monday.

A few days after the shooting, Rose's grandmother urged calm after
hearing about the rising tide of public anger.

"I don't like to see more violence occur," Margaret Rose said. "I
think that it's up to the courts to deal with the offender. I don't
want to see any vigilante-type of behaviour."