A number of concerned Innisfail residents rallied this weekend at a candlelight vigil outside the aquatic centre after hearing the circumstances surrounding the death of as many as 100 sled dogs in Whistler, B.C..
Over 30 people from around the province brought their dogs to the vigil on Sunday evening to raise awareness for animal rights and welfare.
Many have expressed outrage over the killing of up to 100 sled dogs last April by employees of a dog sled touring company. The dogs reportedly had been used on tours during the 2010 Winter Olympics but were to be disposed of when tourism reportedly slumped.
The circumstances of the disposal began to be reported in the media at the end of last month.
Innisfail candlelight vigil organizer and animal lover, Angela Prive, said she was inspired to hold the local event after she heard of one being held in Whistler.
“I thought it would be a great way to honour the dogs and also raise awareness about animal abuse so I asked around to see if there would be any interest in Innisfail,” said Prive.
“I know from attending town meetings regarding an off leash area that there are a lot of dog lovers in town and know from discussing it with people that there is a lot of anger surrounding this story.”
Attendees were encouraged to tie red ribbons on their dogs and brought candles and glow sticks for the vigil.
Prive said they were not only trying to raise awareness about animal abuse but also about adopting pets that are in need of homes instead of buying them from a breeder.
Prive said that she and other local dog enthusiasts Bob Mattice from Innisfail, and Karen Sawyer from Sundre, work to educate people about spaying and neutering pets and promoting adoption.
Prive spread the word about the vigil through facebook and said that a number of vigils started popping up all over Canada where others were saddened by the incident in Whistler.
She said she was happy with the turnout at the Sunday evening vigil.
