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DAY ONE.
“Canada eliminated the death penalty on July 14, 1976.
The last execution in Canada took place on December 11, 1962 at Toronto’s Don Jail.”
Canada is, by all measurable standards, one of the most advanced countries in the world. The Economist ranks Vancouver as the world’s most liveable city, ahead of Vienna and Melbourne. Toronto is number 4.
Canada is the country where the cream of the crop wants to emigrate. A haven of sorts where individual freedoms are respected and communities care for their members.
A model society.
This is what makes Brindi’s story so puzzling and this is the reason why the eyes of the international animal welfare community are now fixed on Canada as a whole and on the city of Halifax in particular.
Brindi is an adopted mutt. She is smart, gentle, affectionate and has passed obedience classes.
On July 24, Brindi was seized and put on death row.
A minor incident, completely distorted by some of the people involved, would lead into a most incredible ordeal for Brindi and her family. Brindi’s owner, Francesca, an American recently emigrated to Canada, found herself tangled in the worst possible plot any animal owner could ever envisage: Her beloved dog, her child, put on death row by the City of Halifax.
There was never an offence charged; Brindi was assessed by an expert and found highly trainable. Thousands of dollars were paid to get the execution order quashed in court. But the city ignored the Law and kept Brindi. Instead of holding a fair hearing to decide whether Brindi presents a true danger (she obviously does not), the city charged Brindi’s owner with 3 by-law violations in a last minute attempt to push for a new kill order.
On the 23rd of February Brindi’s owner was found guilty on all counts.
Sentence hearing will take place on March 9. It is feared the judge will order the Killing of the animal.
We have 13 days 1 day to Save Brindi.
History is full of miscarriages of justice.
Brindi’s case is one of those. It was never about the dog.
It was obvious from the beginning that the issue had grown into a personal vendetta, as it is too often the case; a power play where Brindi and her owner Francesca had become mere pawns in the hands of “authorities” clearly more concerned about saving face than about truly pursuing justice.
We have 13 days 1 day to Save Brindi.
Today we are launching a local and international campaign to drive public opinion and to prompt the world to take action.
We want each and every one of our readers and the entire international community to stop for a second and think.
Her life is all that Brindi has. We will not allow it to be taken away from her. Think how you would feel if it was YOUR child put in this position. Going through months of isolation while waiting for the moment to be administered a lethal injection and killed. What would you think of Canada every morning if you were in Francesca’s place?
Today the internet and social media have made a new kind of world and a new way to demand justice possible. There are millions of us ready to stand up and fight for what most would consider worthless.. a dog.
However, Brindi is not just a dog. Brindi is a living being, with feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, longing. A living being that will be executed unless we all stand together and take action.
Starting from today, Brindi is no longer just a dog.
Brindi is now a symbol that represents our most essential values: Justice and the Right to live.
The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters.
Article 7 states:
Any act unnecessary involving the death of an animal, and any decision leading to such an act, constitutes a crime against life.
We need YOU to tell the government of Canada and the City of Halifax that to execute an innocent animal based on obscure by-laws is about the lowest a government can sink into. We will do our best to send a clear message to the Canadian Government and concretely to the City of Halifax; we will show them that doing this would be a terrible mistake, a miscarriage of justice.
We have 13 days 1 day to save Brindi and we are going to need YOUR help.
If you want to know more here are four links that pretty much tell you the whole story:
SPCA, Dirty games, lost contracts and spin doctors
… and we leave the best for last!
City of Halifax Red-faced on tape!
Get involved. We wont give you a model letter to copy and past. We want YOU to speak your mind.
Contact:
Mayor Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax on ph: 902-490-4010. Email kellyp@halifax.ca and express your deepest inner feelings regarding this case.
We have 13 days… 1 day.
For the Animals…
For Brindi…
Viktor Larkhill
70 Comments to “13 Days to Save Brindi. LAST DAY UPDATE!”
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karoliina says:
Long email sent to Mr. Mayor about this heartbreaking situation. I truly hope we can help that poor dog and his family.
Janette Hamilton says:
How do we help where do we send our correspondence? I live in Canada and realize that this case could set a precedent that could affect the lives of MY pack. I can not sit by and accept this for the sake of my own dogs, and Canadian dogs everywhere.
Viktor says:
Janette, dont email… call…
Mayor Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax on ph: 902-490-4010. Email kellyp@halifax.ca and express your deepest inner feelings regarding this case.
Just call pls…
LindaB says:
I have email Mayor Peter Kelly every week for the past 19 months that Brindi has been held captive & will continue to do so, but he has done nothing! Please also join Save Brindi from the city of Halifax group/site on Facebook to help save this dog! ♥thanks♥
Connie says:
19 months? That poor dog, I hope she remembers her owners. No telling how she is getting treated while she is in there. That certainly wont help her any. I just now am learning about this dog, and I can't stand abuse against animals. I think what someone does to an animal, someone should do them the same way
karen lyons kalmenson says:
this dog brindi and francesca
have been put through hell
for no logical reason
as far as i can tell
the lives of these two
put to the test?
let francesca take
brindi home
and give this a rest
the injustice here
is muscles being flexed
but what is really clear
is how the world is vexed
all eyes halifax are focused
on you
please do in your hearts
what is right and true
send brindi home
to her francesca so dear
so we can finally all
dry her tears
karen lyons kalmenson
Denise Routly says:
This is absolutely insane and unjust….We must all stand up and on guard for own dogs lives…I cannot imagine the anguish
Maureen Hurly says:
I have emailed the city numerous times previously, but never get a response. Today I phoned, and told the Mayor’s assistant that I am very upset that he has done nothing to help Brindi, that the City has been unfair and that I will hold him responsible if she is put down. They cannot ignore phone calls; I encourage everyone to do this! Let them get hundreds or even thousands of calls. The lady who answered did try to tell me this is a legal dept matter, and not up to Mayor Kelly. I told her as he is Mayor, he is in charge of all city staff and city matters, and he is the one who could put a stop to it right now.
Tina Marie Frawley says:
March 5th, 2010 is Free Brindi Friday. Everyone, please call and fax Mayor Kelly SEVERAL TIMES and ask him to free Brindi
Mayor of Halifax kellyp@halifax.ca
phone: 1 ( 902) 490-4010
FAX: 1- 902- 864-6917
Prosecutors: persaud@halifax.ca
Head of Legal Services, Mary Ellen Donovan
FAX: 902-490-4232
Email: donovad@halifax.ca
Head of Animal Services: Andrea MacDonald
Email: Macdonaa@halifax.ca
Copying your letters to the media is especially helpful:
letters@theherald.ca
coast@thecoast.ca
editor@thecoast.ca
atlanticnews@ctv.ca
news@ctv.ca
radionews@halifax.ca
lindsay.jones@metronews.ca
Fulvia Zambon says:
Please show a kindness for this poor creature, I’m appalling to know how Canada disregard a life of the most defenseless animals.
Please give freedom to Brindi. Thank you.
Margaret Sikora says:
How can this happen in this day and age, It behooves me to see something like this happening in our so called wonderful country…The need to allow this poor creature to go home to her loving family and live her life out there, just as she should…Shame on Canada and the city of Halifax, to even think of allowing this.
Liz Sullivan says:
Please stop BSL, give Ontario back to the citizens of Ontario. Bill 132 is a vague unjust law that should never have been approved. It failed to hold accountable the few irresponsible dog owners that presented problems that needed to be addressed. Instead, it punishes ALL dog owners of mixed breeds, everywhere, placing them in harms way, as these ar to many fspecific cases have proven. The passing of Bill 132 is an inacceptable act that cannot be condoned by the general public.
Laura says:
I am just totally and utterly disgusted right now. I can’t imagine what she is going through. I can understand how far this has gone.
Brenda Ann evans says:
I find this whole situation deplorable. Set Brindi free. Where is the justice in Halifax. This dog has been through hell and back and now in death row….. how sick are we as humans.
Meltem Şafak says:
I emailed that, I cant call because my phones arent open for int. calls at least I can do this:
Dear Mayor Peter J. Kelly,
I’m writing you from Turkey I’m Meltem Şafak. I’ve just read a news
about Canada and a dog named Brindi and her death penalty in one of
Turkey’s big newspapers.
And I was shocked. Because 3 days ago, I was telling my husband how
Canada is a beautiful and liveable country that I really want to
emigriate, but now my all good opinions about your people and country
are unfortunately changed!!!
How could you people decide a death penalty for a innocent dog??? May
be she is misbehaved well there is thousand of options to make an
animal behave well with training.
As a human being we must behave in justice and in this world no human
can decide bringing death to a living except God. This is like that in
both christians and muslıms and in all religions.
Please, behave more civilized as a country. All world watching you in
this subject, how can you live as a dog killer Mayor and a dog killer
pathetic country??
Yours sincerely,
Meltem Şafak
Viktor says:
Thank you Meltem… glad to have you on board.
Please follow our campaign.. we have 12 days left.
MW says:
I support Brindi, I do NOT support her owner. This dog desperately needs a home where her issues will be managed instead of ignored.
Viktor says:
Sparky…
Watch this video…
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=369660521264&ref=mf
I truly doubt 99% of the population would have fought for her dog that way Francesca has.
It is very easy to pay judgement from the comfort of your chair… so easy.
As I wrote.. it could happen to you.
Best
Marcine says:
Brindi's owner had done everything she possible can to get Brindi back. She has hired an animal behaviorist to work with Brindi. She has built a fence around her property that no dog could possibly get out of. Both entrances have been made impossible for Brindi to escape. She has taken Brindi to obedience training. She is perfect owner for Brindi and she loves the dog with all of her heart. The dog should under any circumstances not have to go to a new home, especially after all that she has already been through. How can you NOT support her owner. I think you have some issues of your own that need to be looked at. First of all, why dont you read more about this case so you know what you are talking about, before you open your big mouth.
uberVU - social comments says:
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by Everydogsmom: 13 Days to Save Brindi : http://canada.myletsadopt.com/2010/02/25/13-days-to-save-brindi/...
Gökçe Egemen says:
I sent e-mail to Mr. Kelly yesterday. I wish I could do more.
“Dear Majoy Peter J. Kelly,
I am Gökçe Egemen and from Turkey. I am crying right now. Do you know why? Because of what has happened to poor Brindi. I just have read his story fom media and I can not stop my tears going down.
I am not a famous or a big person, I am just a citizen of my country. But I think that I have the right to express my ideas and feelings, I am free to do that. And I am using this right right now. I was thinking that Canada is the mot modern country in the world with its everything : health, education, living standards, respect for its citizens, values, and justice system. I had admiration feelings for Canada always. And I was respecting to your country. Now I am really surprised and upside down about what has happened. I am really disappointed.
All you know the case, I will not repeat here. But what I will say repeatedly and will never get bored of doing that is that this is a miscarriage of justice (all of us we know this) and I can not be indifferent in this case!! None of us can be.
Please put your hands in to your conscience and heart. How can you give consent for such thing? Put yourself into the same situation. If you were the one in place of Brindi’s owner, how would you feel? It is so terrible!, right?You send away this idea from your mind immediately and change the image coming to your mind.
You already know that what The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights says in Article 7
“Any act unnecessary involving the death of an animal, and any decision leading to such an act, constitutes a crime against life.”
Government of Canada and City of Halifax, please do not commit a crime by allowing this! This would be a dreaful mistake. You will be the responsible ones for her death!!
Do not forget Dear Kelly, Brindi is not just a dog, she is a living with her feelings just like you are, just like I am, just like everybody is. And she is innocent, so innocent.
If you read this e-mail, please think about what I wrote a little bit.
Yours Sincerely,
Gökçe”
MW says:
This woman is guilty of the charges, as she was found. Her dog was loose, her dog attacked another dog, and she did violate the muzzle order. I don’t understand how when you’ve been TOLD point blank that if your dog is caught outside without a muzzle that she may be seized and euthanized, you cannot put the muzzle and leash on INSIDE the home.
The dog doesn’t deserve to die. She also deserves an owner who is more capable of working on her issues. While I applaud the owner for fighting so hard and for so long, I cannot condone her behaviour which has put many other dogs (and people, by association) in her community at risk.
Viktor says:
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone….
Viktor says:
Sparky
Here you have a number of people vouching for Brindi..
http://supportbrindi.blogspot.com/
Read those letters.
As I said, it could happen to you… I wonder if you would be so self-rightneous then.
Looking at the city’s track record It seems to me that the danger is not Brindi here but your local government..
Hard to believe we are talking about Canada here..
Debbie Chalus says:
I have sent a letter to save Brindi. This is really so barbaric. People kill thier own kids and only get a few years in jail, if you are a dog, you get the death penalty. Man is Canada backwards. Im truly ashamed to be a Canadian.
Free Brindi! says:
When you call the mayor, also contact the Municiple Halifax prosecuter’s office – 490-4226.
Lale Erguner says:
I have already written to the Mayor once, and will continue to do so, several times each day. If enough of us do this, and make a big enough noise, they may rethink their situation. Hopefully…
Free Brindi! says:
If it can happen to Brindi, it can happen to your dog.
MW says:
It’s not self-righteousness. I have valid concerns about this individual’s ability to appropriately handle their dog. I have seen them post on Facebook say that despite what trainers have told them, that they intend to continue to allow her dog off leash, as that is the “only” way she can get enough exercise.
I think it says a LOT when the most well-respected trainers, dog behaviourists and rescues in Halifax will not stand behind this owner, but they will still stand behind the dog.
It wouldn’t happen to me as after the very first incident, I would seek a private trainer. I would also not permit my dog outside of my door without a leash on. If a muzzle order had been issued, I would not allow my dog outside my door without both the leash and muzzle on. I do acknowledge that not everyone would seek a private trainer after the first incident, but I do believe when you’re dealing with aggressive animals the first incident needs to be the last. You never know what kind of harm could be caused- not just physically, but mentally too. While I’ve never owned an aggressive dogs, I have owned dogs that have been the victim of an attack. Sometimes it can cause phobias and change how that dog reacts to others, even if the incident is only minor.
I agree that A-300 is a horribly written bylaw. I protested, signed petitions, and attended meetings about it when it was first tabled. It was only a matter of time until something like this happened.
It worries me that the owner hasn’t been completely up front since the very beginning about the number of incidents and the severity. It worries me that if this woman is given her dog back, there’s the likelihood of another incident. It also worries me that there may be people in the community who are not so fond of this dog and may take matters into their own hands should there be another incident.
Viktor says:
Sparky,
It is self-righteousness. The same self-rigtheousness that seems to be plaguing the administration of the city of Halifax, the RSPCA and those “great trainers you mention. In those three cases you also need to act a desperate desire not to loose face.
I dont remember the last time “authorities” were right on a case of this characteristics.. what about .. never?
When did animal lovers lost their humanity and replaced it by “self-righteousness” ?
Hope nothing like this ever happen to anyone. Hopelly Brindi’s case will help bring about a change in mentalities.
Again, pray it never happens to you…
Arzu says:
I’ve sent the following e-mail to Peter Kelly
Dear Mr. Kelly
I’m writing from Tukey. I believe what’s happening in your country about Brindi is against the animal rights.
The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters.
Article 7 states:
Any act unnecessary involving the death of an animal, and any decision leading to such an act, constitutes a crime against life.
AND CANADA IS ONE OF THE COUNTRIES WHO SIGNED THİS DECLERATION.
And please do not forget that Brindi has feelings and for the owner he is her child. How would you feel if your own child was in the same situation?
Arzu Altınanıt
Trish Malkoff says:
This is a copy of an email I have just sent to Peter J Kelly, Mayor of Halifax:
Mayor Peter J. Kelly,
Mayor of Halifax.
Canada
Dear Sir
We, the global members of Facebook and other world-wide social media networking sites, reading up about Brindi, cannot believe the astonishingly bloody-minded treatment by a city authority towards one dog and her owner, which has been going on for over a year now.. the big city bosses showing how they don’t give a toss for the concept of being elected into office, or have any clue or ounce of compassion when it comes to animal rights!
It would seem you are clearly neither people nor human, neither can HRM claim to represent the will of the people, nor NS SPCA be called worthy guardians of animal welfare. You are all evidently nothing more than self-serving, do-or-die egotists, hell bent on winning at all costs, regardless of the pain and suffering you cause along the way.
How you have the nerve to try and paint a glowing picture of Brindi’s life in prison I don’t know. All you’re really saying is that she has all the same comforts as a prisoner on death row, but generally the latter has been found guilty of crimes against humanity by a jury of his/her peers. What are Brindi and Francesca guilty of?
Furthermore, it seems the upstanding big brothers at HRM, who dictate how things should be for the public good, are incapable of gracefully accepting a ruling by a Supreme Court Justice. Hell you won’t even listen to your own Deputy Mayor. Have you forgotten your role as Public Servants in a 1st World Democracy? Or don’t things work that way in Canada?
Our message now must be to the people of Halifax: “Lobby your Councilors, make sure they get the message loud and clear that they will not be voted back into office if they continue to act like modern day Hitlers. Demand they send Brindi home now. Failing that, go to court and petition the judge not overturn the previous Supreme Court ruling. Let men and women of good sense and conscience, sanity and compassion, prevail in Halifax.”
Trish Malkoff
Johannesburg
South Africa
Viktor says:
thank you Trish..
Together we will turn things around..
Viktor says:
Amazing Letter Trish…
Your letter will be the base of Sunday’s post.
Best
Trish Malkoff says:
This comment is addressed to MW:
Go to http://supportbrindi.blogspot.com/ and read for yourself the letter that Francesca Rogier (this individual as you refer to her) has written to Geoff Newton, Prosecutor in the case R. v. Rogier, Case #1999882, Dartmouth Provincial Court. Aside from the more than $50000 she has already spent fighting the case, take note of the steps she has taken to ensure that her property is securely fenced and the commitments she has made to complying with HRM Animal Service demands.
Read also, as Viktor suggests, the numerous letters of support and acceptance from neighbours and dog owners in Francesca and Brindi’s community, the ones you say are not so fond of this dog and who may take matters into their own hands. Could it be perhaps you are referring to someone very close to home indeed?
This poor dog owner has had one and a half years to meditate on her mistakes, to mend her ways and her fences, while her poor dog has paid the cruelest of prices. Give her a break for God’s sake.
Trish Malkoff says:
Has anyone seen the letter sent by Kristin William, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia SPCA to Superintendent Bill Moore, Community Projects, Halifax Regional Police? Well I attach it below.
It’s evident that while “..the SPCA is never in favour of euthanasia where a viable alternative exists..” (see their Letter to the Editor, REGARDING: Article dated February 5, 2010 entitled “Brindi the dog saga still not over – judge reserves decision on whether to allow SPCA to euthanize allegedly dangerous dog”) there is quite obviously a vendetta being carried out against the lawful owner. One only has to read her letter to the Public Prosecutor and the numerous letters of support from dog trainers, neighbours and dog owners in her own community to see that she is the responsible and indeed the rightful owner of this cruelly abused animal, the owner who has been forced to spend over $50000 of her own money to try to get back what is rightfully hers, in a vain attempt to get the HRM and the SPCA to comply with a Supreme Court order. So who are the heartless bastards in HRM so desperate to save face they must spend one and a half years trying to kill one harmless dog and who are the devils in Francesca’s own neighbourhood who say Brindi is a danger to their community? Let them and their households all suffer the same fate as they have inflicted on this tragic pair.
Copy of Letter:
Superintendent Bill Moore
Community Projects
Halifax Regional Police
February 12, 2010
Bill:
In follow up to our conversation yesterday, I would like to request that the Crown Attorney in the Rogier/Brindi case make a further submission to the court to suggest an alternative
sentence to euthanasia.
The Nova Scotia SPCA would be willing to assist HRM in making alternative arrangements for Brindi; such as adoption to home in which her needs could be met, and the community could be assured of public safety.
It is the Society’s belief that Brindi could be safely placed. Brindi has demonstrated over the last 18 months that she can live peacefully and happily with a responsible owner.
Please feel free to contact me directly to discuss further.
Best Regards,
Kristin Williams
Executive Director
Nova Scotia SPCA
refer to: http://spcans.ca/news/press_releases/20100223.html
Trish Malkoff says:
Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition: “”FREE BRINDI” This dog must not be euthanized!”.
Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 6000 signatures – please sign here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-brindi-this-dog-must-not-be-euthanized
Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.
Thank you! Trish
MW says:
I still don’t feel I am being self-righteous by having concerns about the way this person handles her dog and may continue to handle her dog in the future. I DID support the owner in the beginning, but after seeing her behaviour and her reactions first hand on her Facebook group, I found myself no longer able to do so in good conscience. She fully believes she did absolutely nothing to bring this about and has no ownership in the damage done by her dog. As long as she can’t bring herself to acknowledge she does have some culpability in this situation, I will have a very difficult time supporting her. It’s only through acknowledging our mistakes that we can strive to not repeat them in the future. Instead, I’ve seen her publicly post that she feels that other dog owners have no business walking their pets on her dead end street as there’s nothing there for them. I’ve seen her deny that there have been other altercations between Brindi and other dogs (aside from the one that have led to the seizure). I’ve even come right out and asked why wasn’t Brindi leashed and muzzled before being taken outside, and was told it’s just not possible. When I asked why it wasn’t possible, I was told to stop asking questions.
Problem is with the support letters, is that there’s not one from every single individual in the community. I’ve seen plenty of postings on the many newspaper articles from people who feel that Brindi, in this owner’s hands, will continue to be a danger. The article in The Coast, which is still available at http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/saving-brindi/Content?oid=1084405, is an example of this. Whenever I think of Brindi, I can’t help but consider the incident in Cape Breton a couple years ago (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/01/29/ns-dog-shot-maim.html). It only takes one wing nut to do something like this.
The city’s reaction is heavy-handed, yes, but the law allows them to do this. Like I said, the bylaw is particularly badly written. Sadly, if you’re a dog owner in Halifax you need to be extra cautious right now. There’s even a story of Animal Control seizing an older puppy for “attacking” two kids. What really happened was the owner was asked by the kids if they could pet the pup. Being a puppy, he jumped all over them, resulting in minor scratches. The mother freaked out and called Animal Control.
All Brindi’s owner has going for her is that precedence does seem to be in her favour. Maybe she will get off with just fines. Honestly, I don’t think it’s appropriate in any circumstance to euthanize any animal because of irresponsibility on the owner’s part. Especially when it’s such a manageable issue. On that note, the city is also fighting to euthanize an Am Staff mix because she got loose and chased and allegedly bit someone riding a bike. The owners believe their dog may have been seized wrongly as there is a very similar looking Am Staff in the neighbourhood who has been known to both run at large and have issues with people on bikes/skateboards/scooters.
I DO feel for the owner. How painful it must be to know there’s still a chance of euthanization after she’s fought so long and so hard, and I commend her for having the stamina to take it this far. I just worry she may not be able to handle Brindi’s issues appropriately, given the past- not all dog owners are capable of such. I have several friends who have dogs who are fantastic, loving owners, but wouldn’t be able (or willing, in some cases) to handle a dog with aggression or reactivity issues.
Viktor says:
Sparky…
We cannot, and should not, act on personally worries based on our personal impressions of someone who haven’t even met.
This is far more important that the character of one person or whether they rub us the wrong way.
This is about common sense, justice, fairness and empathy.
It is also about abuse of power, a Supreme Court Rulling, and about 1000′s of people working together to right a wrong.
The system is wrong. Your system is wrong and you have accepted it as the status quo.
This is about changing the reality of your City, your country and the world.
Sparky says:
Maybe it's because I own a dog who has been attacked by another dog. I certainly wouldn't feel safe as a dog owner in that neighbourhood if this dog is returned. I cannot help but see the other side of this issue as well. While the owner and her dog do have rights, so do the other pet owners and their dogs in the area. Part of the problem as I see it is, we've given this woman three chances as it is to get, and keep, her dog under control. Where do we stop? Should we wait until there's a more serious incident? It's not an easy call, by a long shot. For me, I see rehoming Brindi to a more experienced owner as compromise. Brindi isn't euthanized, which I think we can all agree is what we want to see, but at the same time, this dog will no longer be a threat to the residents of this community.
I've thought long and hard about where I stand now (it was over a year since the case first broke until the time I decided rehoming sounded like the most promising option for all involved). At first, I supported the owner whole-heartedly. Then new facts began to come out. Brindi had attacked before (we were originally told that this was the first incident). Not once, but at least twice. She knocked over an older lady in an attempt to get at her small dog. Then there's the imfamous email written by the owner stating she never owned a muzzle in the first place- all she was using was a gentle leader. The fact that the lady who was knocked over had to take her dog to emergency to the tune over over $360. That's not just a quick check up and antibiotics. Not unless the antibiotics are over $200.
As far as the guilty verdict goes- that is justice. Take away everything else from this case, when it comes down to the cold, hard, bare bones facts, this dog was at large. This dog did attack another dog under the very loose definition of attack in the current bylaw and she was loose without a muzzle on. I don't think it's unjust to see someone get a guilty conviction on offenses they actually are guilty of. Where we may see injustice is when we find out what the sentence is. I don't think any of the three most likely scenarios would shock me (fines, euthanization or rehoming).
I have to be honest- I don't think this case is going to change the world. Whatever the outcome of March 9, most of the world will carry on as it always has. I doubt it's going to change the country, either. Most people really don't know a whole lot about this case- I certainly haven't seen it make any national headlines. It may not even change the city. Because of the way people have approached all parties involved, most of them long ago, stopped listening. Which is sad because as you said, the personalities of those involved really don't change the details of the case.
It's not that I don't accept that the system is wrong and flawed. I've said several times here that A300 is a particularly badly written piece of legislation. The problem is, it's still the law and we still have to abide by it until it's repealed, or face the consequences.
I do want to share more links for those who want more information before I sign off.
While the owner doesn't like this blog, it does have some good points both for and against: http://dogkisser.blogspot.com/
Here's the Supreme Court Decision: http://www.courts.ns.ca/decisions_recent/document…
The owner's blog: http://freebrindi.blogspot.com/
Another blog run by the owner: http://novascotiatruth.blogspot.com/
The Supreme Court Decision is probably the most interesting read, especially as it's completely unbiased, but the others are not without merit. I'm looking forward to seeing the most recent decision released, so I can read it in its entirety.
(Still MW, which are my real-life initials. Just changed my nickname here to reflect that you're addressing me as Sparky)
Viktor says:
Right… so much for impartiality and fairness…
As for this case not changing the world.. you are right… probably it wont.. but maybe… just maybe well get things right.
I promise you Sparky that me and my community will do ALL in our power to Free Brindi and return her to her owner.
As for you… well… don’t hesitate to contact me if you ever need any help… I really hope you are never in a position like Francesca’s. You would feel very lonely there.
Cheers.
Elaine says:
Save the dog, why put it down that isn't right..
VLarkhill says:
One last thing.. Joan, unfair laws, unjust laws are not there to be abided.
They are there to be changed….
We fight for that. We fight for you and every single dog owner in Canada who could be in Francesca's position.
Please don't let your own personal background and experiences get on the way of justice.
Cheers.
Sparky says:
I think I may have been a bit confusing in my last post. I'm not Joan, nor the owner of any of the other blogs I posted. They're just links I've come across that may be of interest to those who want more information on the case. You can also Google either Francesca Rogier, or Brindi the dog.
I also want to suggest those of you who do support the owner send letters to City Hall instead of emailing. It's long been said that many of the officials there, including Peter Kelly, delete any emails with any mention of this case in the subject line. Not sure if it's true or not, but there is a chance that by emailing you won't be making yourself heard. It's a bit more difficult to ignore an actual physical letter sitting on your desk with a return address than an electronic message. Since time is short, I suggest sending letters either overnight or 2-3 business day shipping, if you aren't within the city, or the province.
As far as getting things right, if this case gets a particularly badly written bylaw changed, then regardless of the outcome of this case, I'd say you've gotten it at least pretty close to being right. If this case ends up with this dog not being euthanized, I'd say you've got it bang on.
I forgot to include this with my previous post, but here's a link to the bylaw, so you can read it for yourselves in all it's lousiness: http://www.halifax.ca/legislation/bylaws/hrm/docu…
Take particular note, the definition of "attack" which is defined as "to injure or bite, or to threaten or give the impression of threatening".
VLarkhill says:
Thanks for the suggestions.. although they are valid we believe that this goes beyond the email that people may be sending. We know many of our members are calling, we also know that Brindi is, today, one of the most famous, if not the most famous dog in the world.
We are confident there will be common sense in the end and that someone over there will realize that the backlash and negative publicity outweights the "benefits" of saving face.
Social Media has changed the game, the way societies fonction, the way governments get government feedback.
We are confident in the end all will be well.
Best
Suna Ak says:
I m writing from Turkey.I couldn't believe about this matter with Brindy.We hve many problems here about the animals.I thought you were solved this problem.What is his guilty?Pls give him another chance and let him to live with his family.
Day 8. Brindi: Social Media Saves Lives « Let's Adopt! Canada says:
[...] by unveiling a campaign that fully utilises the potential of Social Media. We called our campaign 13 days for Brindi, a countdown until the judge takes a decision on Brindi’s future. We have always been [...]
Ginette Dominique says:
I believe Brandi should be allowed to live, if Francesca committed the above stated crimes of not leashing or muzzling, then she should be made to pay the fines etc, my hope is that Brindi and Francesca get another chance to be together, however it should be not taken for granted that Brindi needs to be leashed, if the judge chooses to re-home Brindi instead of being pts, this is a better outcome for the dog than death, if it were me and it were my situation, i would welcome that outcome over death any day just to have my dogs life spared.
Still saying prayers for the both of them.
jennyfer says:
kon lui rende sa chienne bande de ingraaaaa vou navai pas le droi du moment ke kel kun pren soin delle ya aucune justice
erdogan says:
sa me fais mal au coeur pour lui faut l'aider svp
jennyfer says:
RENDEZ LUI LA LIBERTER A BRINDI
Day 12. Time is up for Brindi. | beingstray.com says:
[...] Share it on Facebook, Twitter, email… whichever network you are a member of. ………………………………….. reprinted from Let’s Adopt! Canada Share/Save [...]
Le Mad says:
Let Brindi alive!!!!!!
Le Mad says:
Let Brindi alive !!!!!!!!!!
Le MAD says:
Let Brindi alive please !!!!!!!!
hurel says:
pitie pitie
evelyne says:
on ne devrais pas la piquer on devrais plutot piquer les hommes laiser la finir sa vie en paix avec sa maitresse.
Marceline says:
Please show a kindness for this poor creature, I'm appalling to know how Canada disregard a life of the most defenseless animals.
thank you
TrishMalkoff says:
Message to the Premier of Nova Scotia & Ombudsman for the Province of Nova Scotia (copied to Canadian Prime Minister):
“Something Stinks in the Province of Nova Scotia”
Dear Sirs,
Please will you take to heart the tens of thousands of voices pleading for mercy for poor Brindi dog, voices from the constituents of Halifax, …residents of Nova Scotia, citizens of Canada and the world.
Mayor Kelly point blank refuses to exercise his authority as mayor, to order the withdrawal of charges against Ms Rogier, or to instruct the private attorneys the city has retained, using tax payers money in its relentless pursuit of a death order against this already shockingly abused dog illegally incarcerated on death row for more than 19 months, to withdraw the city's prosecution case or to settle for an admission of guilt fine and to agree that Brindi be allowed to go home to her long suffering, emotionally and financially devastated owner. Mayor Kelly also claims that it would be illegal for him to intervene in the jurisdiction of the courts, but he and his council have had no problem with contravening the law by holding onto a private citizen’s property for 16 months longer than the 3 months allowed by law!
I would also like to question what kind of system keeps a dog alive in the most horrible conditions for 20 months, just to seek a Euthanasia Order? During her time on death row, Brindi has passed several training tests, as well as tests by 3 Animal Behaviorists who claim the dog is friendly, sociable and not a danger to society, so why still the insistence on euthanasia? I would also like to comment that during these dreadful 19 months, which amount to a punitive sentence for both dog and owner in themselves, Ms. Francesca Rogier has also been obliged to pay a fee of $25.00 A DAY for the “board” of her dog Brindi at the Halifax SPCA, been denied visitation rights for the privilege, except for a few recent supervised 30 minutes a week, and spent thousands of her own dollars, trying to save her dog from the city. Ms. Rogier has therefore ‘paid’ 100 times more money in fines than any case of its kind in the history of Halifax, Nova Scotia or probably Canada for that matter. Has this financial cost to her, the emotional cost of almost 2 years spent trying to have her dog returned home, not ‘lesson’ enough for the ‘crimes’ she has been found guilty of, not forgetting that her dog’s health and life expectancy (if the city doesn’t succeed in getting its ‘kill’ order) has forever been compromised by the devastating effects of being locked up for all this time?
Please will you now intervene in this case at the very 11th hour, on behalf of Brindi, Francesca and their multitudes of supporters across the globe and make this mayor see reason, exercise compassion and behave as any decent, honorable public official would, who understood the concept of good governance and being responsible and answerable to the people who voted him into office?
With grateful thanks,
Trish Malkoff,
Johannesburg,
South Africa
Ombudsman: <ombudsman@gov.ns.ca>
Prime Minister: <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Everyone should also email their own letters
j.e. johnson says:
Just sent this to kellyp@halifax.ca
Brindi deserves the right to live. Killing this beautiful creature of God is not going to solve any problems. It will only make matters worse. The world is watching.
Chris says:
My dogs have been attacked by other dogs, people who had a leash on their dog but didn't hold it. My dog required antibiotics for two weeks and the second time she was attacked years later by another dog, she required surgery to fix her wounds. I am furious at people who do not restrain their dogs, and protect them from the outside world and protect people and dogs from their aggressive dogs. Perhaps this owner needs to lose her rights to owning a dog and this dog Bindi in particular. There is no easy answer, but I hope the dog isn't put to sleep. I am going to email right now.
lepee says:
s.v.p
je demande Grace pour elle, laissez la partir pres de sa maitresse, la separation a deja durer assez
SAVE BRINDI
LEPEE says:
SAVE BRINDI
Cheryl Blanco says:
This poor dog should be released immediately!!! I also think that there should be some way that the owner get reimbursed by the city of Halifax for the expenses that she has incurred! This is HORIBBLE, HORIBBLE INJUSTICE!!!
People across the world are looking at Halifax as a bunch of clowns that have no idea what they are doing. This is a very sweet dog that got caught up in a situation, where people who have no business running a government, are in a position of control. Halifax is the laughing stock of the world right now. How can this possibly be happening!!!
RELEASE BRINDI and the world will forgive. Kill Brindi and you will certainly regret it.
These are archaic, senseless laws that have to be changed. Open your eye and do what is right.
RELEASE BRINDI and make a public apology for spending time and money on a very Stupid case.
Cheryl Blanco
USA
Ann Beauregard says:
I am writting from the United States, I have been following this case and i am just in shock that an agency that is for protecting animals is going to such lengths to murder this dog. Granted, Brindi's behaviour was less than 100 percent friendly, but I see that most of that is on the part of the owner. If she followed through with the muzzle, and whatever else yes all this may of been avoided. But still, the actions are still actions that deserve a fine, not death. The owner looks like has taken all the moves now needed to control and or train Brindi. She has a fine and restatution that she should be and is responsable for, but the dog she not pay for the sins of thy mother. In both countries we see so much violence, hate crimes, murder, animal crulty cases ect…and deals are made all the time to save money and court time, i just see that someone has mud on their face and has taken this to a personal level, shame on you. any animal agency would love to find an owner for a dog or 2 that would put just a quarter of the energy and love and time into their dog, please everyone deserves a chance spare brindi, please.