Sun, January 14, 2007
100,000 sign petition to protect animals

By SUN MEDIA

DIDSBURY -- The horrific death of a dog named Daisy Duke after allegedly being dragged by a car has prompted nearly 100,000 people to call for better protection for animals.

A petition lobbying for stronger federal animal cruelty laws is now destined for the House of Commons after being presented to member of Parliament Myron Thompson yesterday in Didsbury, 234 southwest of Edmonton.

The petition was started by Tamara Chaney after Daisy Duke, a Lab-border collie cross, was found barely alive Oct. 8, 2006, after allegedly being tortured and then dragged behind a vehicle.

A bag had been pulled over her head, a rope tied around her neck and all four legs were bound.

She suffered injuries including a broken neck, back and pelvis, and had to be euthanized.

"I honestly wanted to do something for years," Chaney said. "Then having something so sadistic, so horrific happen in my own backyard - I couldn't sit idle anymore."

Chaney said she is thrilled with reception to the petition, which garnered signatures from every province, and even a few from people living in Hong Kong.

"Some people approached local businesses, some even went door to door collecting signatures and others were e-mailing friends and family," said the dog groomer and Didsbury resident.

"I find it really hard to believe the government could ignore this, this time around. It would be ridiculous."

Last fall, Ontario Liberal MP Mark Holland introduced a private member's bill aimed at reforming animal cruelty provisions in the Criminal Code.

Holland said at the time that animal cruelty laws haven't been modernized for 100 years and are "woefully inadequate."

The current law allows for six months in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.

Daniel Charles Haskett, 19, and a 17-year-old male are charged in the case which is still before the courts.

Haskett has pleaded not guilty.