May 21, 2003

Attn: Bella Bella RCMP Detachment

Re: Animal Control - shooting of dog named Kenny

Description: Black and white, husky/shepherd cross, with pink stripe on nose

Dear Constables,

I am writing to share with you the joys and lessons that I gained from meeting and coming to love the dog named Kenny that was killed recently as a means of animal control. I hope that you can see through the attached written memorial, that this dog was indeed loved beyond his circumstances and had I known that he was slated to be shot, I would have flown to Bella Bella to pick him up and bring him to the home that was always waiting for him.

Since I lived in Bella Bella for years, I am well aware of the general lack of responsibility with respect to dogs and their care and understand that the RCMP had no choice but to dispatch this particular dog, as there were complaints from neighbours regarding his free-roaming and dog fighting, which becomes a public safety issue. As you know, it is a rough and tenuous existence for the dogs of Bella Bella, and the it is truly only the strong that survive within the packs and territorial boundaries. Unfortunately, the strong are also the ones that end up destroyed. I had left my name and number with the owner of Kenny, and asked that she contact me if there were any problems with keeping this dog, if he had any health concerns or injuries that needed treatment or if I could help in any way. She said she would - I wish she would have.

When I lived in Bella Bella I became involved in dog rescue, which involved flying dogs out to the vet for spaying/neutering to try to decrease the overpopulation and resulting territorial aggression issues. I also sent many dogs and pups out for veterinary treatment when they were injured by cars, other dogs, poisons etc. Because of the dedicated animal rescue organization, Animal Advocates Society, all of the pups and dogs received vet care and were placed into responsible, loving adoptive homes where they are living happy, secure lives of routine, discipline, love and exercise - like all dogs deserve, but most living in Bella Bella will never have.

I hope that the death of Kenny will result in cooperation between the Heiltsuk band and the dog rescue organization "Big Heart Rescue" who is currently working with the chief, Pam Reid to reduce the very preventable shooting of many more dogs in the future and encourage a relationship with the Bella Bella RCMP to support this effort.

In closing, I've attached a memorial about Kenny and the joys and lessons that we learned from him. He was much more than just a dog.

Sincerely,
Crystal Kerr
Tofino, BC