Thu, November 9, 2006
Protester treated 'like dirtbag'

By SUN MEDIA

CALGARY -- A man who allegedly kicked a vehicle carrying an accused dog abuser is facing a criminal charge.

Denny Stabenow, 34, who also goes by the name Drew Marsden, was arrested Monday morning in Didsbury after he allegedly kicked the van ferrying away Daniel Charles Haskett, 19, who is charged with torturing a dog to death.

Marsden, a hospital security guard and hairstylist, said he plans to launch a formal complaint against the undercover RCMP officer who allegedly put a hand over his mouth while he tried to alert the media to his arrest.

"They treated me like a complete dirtbag," he said.

Marsden, who has six dogs of his own, said he wasn't one of the organized advocates in the protest.

Haskett and a 17-year-old were charged after a dog was bound and dragged behind a vehicle along a Didsbury road.

A veterinarian put the animal to sleep immediately after being called to the grisly scene.

Marsden said he was climbing into his truck after the protest when an undercover officer pulled him out and cuffed him. He was taken to the cells at the detachment and held until 4 p.m. when he was charged with mischief and released.

Didsbury Sgt. Kevin O'Dwyer said several undercover officers were in the crowd during the protest while the uniformed officers stayed on the periphery.