Protest in Didsbury

Members of Voice for Animals arrived in 2 vehicles after a nail-biting trip in horrible weather. We joined up with other animal lovers from Calgary and surrounding communities; those from Compassion in Action having many dramatic signs highlighting the correlation between animal abuse and human violence. They had even erected a shrine in the memory of Daisy Duke. With our signs that highlighted the need for appropriate legislation, the animal rights protestors had a presence that covered all of our concerns.

We stood together, about 25 of us, sharing our feelings of outrage and sorrow and chatting with many members of the press that were present. As court was convening, some of us went inside and we packed the courtroom.

Eventually Daniel Charles Haskett was called and he entered with his head held high, a little smile on his face, but clearly a little uncomfortable with all the attention. His counsel asked to put off the reading of the charges until November 22, 2006, and Mr. Haskett left the courtroom as quickly as he had entered.

While we were in the courthouse, about 50 Didsbury residents, half of them with their dogs, had gathered outside. Emotions were running high and as Mr. Haskett tried to leave, they swarmed the vehicle occupied by him and his family. They pounded on the van and yelled insults to him. One woman from Didsbury stood right in front of the van with her little Chihuahua. She demanded Mr. Haskett look at her defenseless little dog, yelling “How could you!”

Many of these people knew the accused and were familiar with the family’s dogs, Daisy Duke and Diesel. They told us that the SPCA had been called to the Haskett home a number of times because Daisy Duke and Diesel were often tied outside without adequate shelter, food or water. According to them, Daisy Duke’s life was full of suffering. Understandably, the citizens of Didsbury are very angry; this horrible crime happened in their backyards and they reacted passionately.

Voice for Animals Humane Society would like all Canadians to concentrate their efforts on changing the Criminal Code. Please write or call your MP's. Let them know that you want the Canadian government to take crimes against animals seriously by adopting the changes proposed in Bill C-50. Animals need to be moved from the property law section into a section written specifically to deal with animal abuse. They deserve to be treated as beings in their own right that feel pain and suffer.

Listen to Kim's account of the protest on radio.