Dear FML: OK - here is the info on where you can send a fax or phone call (sorry no email) and remember you must act fast as this case is to be heard this Thursday, July 22. Fax: 1 905 430 4151 Phone: 1 905 430 4150 Below is a basic letter you can use (delete parts or jazz it up if you feel the need) and you will need to fax it - also make a call if you can as the more fuss we make the more impact this is going to have on the Crown Attorney's Office. I got the impression as I was tracking down this info that the animal cruelty part of this case is still being viewed somewhat as a non-starter. Let's make sure they understand in the nicest possible way, at the Crown Attorney's Office, that we will not be dismissed and that the cruelty to animal charges on both people involved are important charges that must be followed through on. It is up to us to defend the reputation and honour of ferrets everywhere and specially this un-named little friend who has given his/her life to save these two children from a fate worse than death. With those thoughts in mind please call or fax - Lets make this a big deal and make our voices heard. Crown Attorney's Office 3000 Garden Street, Suite 300, Whitby, Ontario, Canada, L1R 2T6 July 20, 1999 To the Attention of the Crown Attorney's Office, Regarding the case of child abuse and animal cruelty regarding the Canada Day ferret attack. Dear Sir or Madam: I am very concerned about the case that is to be heard this week regarding the 19 year-old woman and her 21 year-old boyfriend who are up on numerous charges, including cruelty to animals. The cruelty charge stems from a veterinarian report at the autopsy of the ferret who attacked her 2 month old child. The vet report showed the animal had been starved and abused. I am a ferret owner and can assure you that after owning many ferrets they are loving and gentle companion animals when treated in a humane manner. As you are aware the Cruelty to Animals Laws are currently being re-written to show much stiffer penalties for acts of cruelty as research has shown that the criminal act of various forms of cruelty is often followed up on humans, and indeed this seems to be the case here. I want to assure the Court that as a citizen of Ontario I want the cruelty to animal charge served and I would like to see these two people forbidden from owning animals again. It is a privilege and not a right to have a pet. The only comfort I can take from this tragic case is that the ferret did not die in vain but this sad incident called to the attention of the Children's Aid Society that these children were in great danger and needed to removed from the "care" of these two pathetic individuals. Please, on behalf of pet owners everywhere, make sure these two people never are allowed to own any pet ever again. I thank you for your attention to this matter. Yours truly, Mrs. Lynn Foster 374 Kerrybrook Drive Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3R1 cc (by Email) Honourable Anne McLellan, Solicitor General of Canada - [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 2748]