Letters to the editor

I'm writing to ask that you reconsider your opinion in the case of the Malamute Shadow, currently in the news.

Granted, the news media does not always get things straight but in this case the evidence seems quite overwhelming. Regardless which dog started the fight, when you have ordinary citizens willing to testify under oath that the Malamute never got behind the victim and therefore could not have bitten her, the case is extremely weak.

Add that to expert opinion (Brad Pattison) that in the case of dog fights if the owner is bitten it's extremely likely it was their own dog, coupled with the videos of the aggressiveness assessment showing clearly that Shadow has no belligerent of antagonistic tendencies whatsoever, the case dissolves.

I am a long term, responsible dog owner, and a few of my friends are experts in dog behaviour.  One runs a canine day care, one is an agility trainer and judges the sport as well.

Both have signed the petition to have Shadow released to her family and the charges against her dropped.

While I know you have done your best to care for this animal, long term confinement to a tiny pen with only very limited exercise opportunity and minimal human contact is torture for any dog, let alone a Malamute.

The past 15 months should never have happened to this (or any) dog.

I ask you exercise your powers to make the right decision, now, not in November when the Court reconvenes. Show the public the RDCO is a knowledgeable, progressive organization dedicated to considered, wise management of regional bylaws and resources. Drop the charges and let the dog go.

Trish Boileau