Justice for Chow-Chows

This petition is being circulated in an effort to bring full justice to an alleged animal abuser. The court date is Feb. 18, so please respond quickly.

The latest press release from the governing SPCA office follows. All other pertinent docuements, including a published newspaper article with a photo of one of the abused chows can be found at our Community Website http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chow_Rights

OSPCA CHARGES FOUR RENFREW RESIDENTS WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

RENFREW - Four Renfrew residents have been charged with animal cruelty following an OSPCA investigation. Charged are Kathryn Langdon-Sparks (Warren), Steven Warren, Ceilidh Larocque and Austin Larocque. The OSPCA investigation began last August and involved over 13 dogs and one cat. Mrs. Langdon -Sparks, along with her family, operates "Tory's Legacy", a Chow-Chow Rescue organization and is the owner/operator of "Tigh A'Ruadh Kennels". A number of the animals were removed from the home of the accused, some of which required extensive hospitalization and surgical care. The persons involved have been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada for failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care and for wilfully permitting to be caused unnecessary pain and suffering for such animals. A first court appearance is scheduled for February 18, 2003 at the Pembroke Court house (162 Agnus St.) If convicted, the accused can face a maximum fine of $2000, up to six months imprisonment and a prohibition of owning or having control over animals for two years.


This case involves Chow-Chows and a cat, but anyone who has a special place in their heart for animals is encouraged to join our plight.

As Chow-chow breeders and/or owners we are appalled at the extent Kathryn Langdon-Sparks (Warren) has gone to in an effort to raise funds for her so-called chow-chow rescue organization. Many people donated money and auction items for what was believed to be a worthy cause, all the while the poor animals needlessly suffered.

Ms. Sparks (Warren) used the internet to gain notoriety and money among chow-chow lovers from around the world. We request that Kathryn Langdon-Sparks (Warren) be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and loose the privilege of owning animals for as long as the law will allow.

We are horrified with respect to the alleged abuse of these wonderful animals, and the way rescue funds appear to have been misappropriated.
We feel that this has caused embarrassment for dog rescue advocates, the world over, but particularly in Canada and the US.

As Ms. Langdon Sparks (Warren) has been such a vocal advocate on the internet, and even in an online magazine she published in the past, it would seem her influence has been much greater than most, and therefore the damage she has done has been greater than in most circumstances. If illness is alleged, on her part, then the Court should please consider a medical certification before the ban on owning an animal is lifted.

Thank you for being a voice for the chows.