Walk for Justice honours Buddy

Buddy the dog won't soon be forgotten.

Buddy, a German shepherd mix, was an unfortunate dog who pulled at the heartstrings and touched the lives of many animal lovers in the few days Sudburians had come to know him.

Buddy was the victim of abuse. At his owner's request, he was removed from his home and brought into the woods to be shot. Unfortunately, the job was botched and Buddy was rescued. The Walden Animal Hospital tried to save his life, but, unfortunately, the damage was too much and Buddy perished.

A 32-year-old man has been charged with four counts of animal cruelty, under the Ontario SPCA Act, in connection to the death of Buddy.

The four charges include one count for causing the animal to be in distress, one count for permitting the animal to be in distress, one count for failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention, and one count for failing to humanely kill an animal by a method that is humane and minimizes the pain and distress to the animal.

A person charged under the Ontario SPCA Act could face a maximum fine of $60,000, up to two years in jail and a lifetime ban of owning any animals.

But Buddy did not die in vain.

First, a Facebook group erupted, created by former Sudburian Marie Clarke, where people shared their thoughts and ideas. As of March 19, the group had 912 members.

Jill Pessot, of Pet Save, and her dedicated team of volunteers and concerned citizens quickly organized a walk, the goal of which was to raise awareness about animal abuse and to get petitions signed to change the way animal abuse is dealt with.

The Walk for Buddy for Justice took place March 18. Organizers estimate that between 1,500 and 3,000 people attended with their dogs in memory of Buddy.

There was a collection box at the walk where supporters donated funds toward Buddy's Trust, put together to help other abused animals that need our help. A final tally has yet to be calculated.

The walk took place on a bright summer-like day, with temperatures above 20 degrees C. Many participants sported colourful T-shirts or bandanas expressing their support to the cause, with slogans such as “I'm walking for those who were abused” or Buddy's image.

Maureen Massicotte is the bus driver who found Buddy on the side of the road, clinging to life. In addition to her regular job, she also does independent animal rescue and is a Pet Save volunteer, who finds foster homes for abused and abandoned animals.

She currently has five dogs, 17 cats and two horses in foster care, trying to find permanent homes for them.

She encourages pet owners to get their dogs and cats spayed or neutered to avoid an over-abundance at shelters.

She said there are very few animal shelters that will do an instant rescue, which leaves her in a predicament. She has said she finds at least a dozen cats a year and some dogs tied to her hydro pole.

“I never say no, I take everything,” she said.

She pays for it all out of her own pocket, too.

“I don't want to see another dog suffer,” she said. “If every animal lover dropped food or supplies off to the SPCA or Pet Save, so many dogs could be helped.”

She said there is currently a need for clumping kitty litter at the Kitty Adoption Centre on the Kingsway. If people don't want to adopt a pet, but wish to help in another way, maybe volunteering is an option. Volunteers are needed at any shelter. In addition to cleaning kennels and litter boxes, volunteers can walk the dogs or socialize with the cats.

The walk was well attended, with organizers guessing an attendance of between 1,500 to 3,000, and that is not including the dogs.

“Thanks to Buddy, we have created a voice for animals,” Shawna Larose, an animal advocate, said.

Posted by Arron Pickard