To honour the memory of the 100 sled dogs slaughtered in Whistler last year and to make sure such a tragedy never occurs again, Amanda Hamilton of Tails Pet Supplies has organized a Walk for Animal Welfare on Feb. 20.
“This walk aims to ensure that something positive can come out of [these dogs’] terrible suffering,” Hamilton said.
She hopes this special dog walk will effect positive changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and help convince the provincial and federal governments that the BC SPCA requires more funding for their cruelty investigations.
To this end, Hamilton will use the walk to gain signatures on a petition to be sent to MLAs and MPs, and to encourage a letter writing campaign in support of the petition.
“Canada has incredibly antiquated cruelty laws that basically make cruelty investigation and prosecution impossible for the animal protection officers of the BC SPCA,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton has spent years trying to lobby government on these very issues, “but taking on government always seems like such a daunting task for one person,” she said.
“Most people end up donating money or baking cupcakes.”
“The death of these dogs has started an incredible movement,” she continued. “For once, each individual writing to make their voices heard will create a giant roar where it’s needed.”
For those interested in a more thorough knowledge of the issues, Hamilton and other volunteers will have supplemental information available.
“We’re going to have some fun too!” Hamilton is quick to add, especially the dogs who will each receive a free Mountain Mutt cookie to thank them for their participation.
For more information, visit www.TailsPets.ca or the Walk for Animal Welfare facebook pages - there is one for both the event in Trail and the event in Rossland. You may also contact Hamilton at 362-5385 or TailsInfo@mac.com.
The Walk for Animal Welfare will run from 2 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 20, meeting at the Centennial Trail parking lot, 1800 block on Kirkup Ave.