I am writing as a citizen of Ontario to demand accountability, transparency and the appropriate enforcement of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and Canada’s Criminal Code regarding the death of Heiniu.
Months have passed since Heiniu died during an interaction with Aurora animal control officers on May 4, 2026. I believe that every animal deserves equal protection under the law and that those entrusted with enforcing our laws must be held to the same standard of accountability expected of every citizen. I also believe many other citizens share this expectation.
The death of Heiniu has raised serious questions about the enforcement of animal welfare laws and public confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting animals.
Justice cannot depend on who owns the animal, who was involved, or whether those involved are government officials.
Animal welfare laws exist to protect animals equally. They must also be enforced equally.
If a private citizen were alleged to have caused the death of a dog under similar circumstances, the public would reasonably expect a thorough investigation and, where supported by the evidence, appropriate charges.
Why should this case be any different?
PROVINCIAL ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES HAS A DUTY TO ACT
Municipal animal control officers are not exempt from Ontario’s animal welfare laws.
Provincial Animal Welfare Services (AWS) has indicated that it is waiting for the Canine Foundations report. However, that review concerns municipal animal control training and protocols. It is not an investigation into whether offences were committed under Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.
A review of municipal training and protocols cannot replace—or delay—an independent Provincial Animal Welfare Services investigation into whether Heiniu was caused or permitted to be in distress and whether offences occurred.
The question for Canine Foundations is whether municipal training and protocols were appropriate. The question for Provincial Animal Welfare Services is whether Ontario’s animal welfare laws were violated. One cannot answer the other.
Under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act), offences are classified as minor or major. Examples of major offences include:
• Causing an animal to be in distress.
• Permitting an animal to be in distress.
Where the evidence supports an offence, Provincial Animal Welfare Services has the authority and responsibility to investigate and lay appropriate charges, regardless of who is involved.
CRIMINAL CODE RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to provincial offences, Canada’s Criminal Code also protects animals.
Section 445.1(1) states:
“Every one commits an offence who wilfully causes or, being the owner, wilfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or a bird.”
Where evidence may support a Criminal Code offence, Provincial Animal Welfare Services should immediately refer that evidence to the appropriate police service for investigation.
In this case, that includes York Regional Police.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
It is past time for action.
I call upon every public authority with responsibility in this matter to fulfill its legal obligations and demonstrate that no individual, public employee or government agency is above the law.
PROVINCIAL ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES
• Complete a thorough, impartial investigation into the death of Heiniu, independent of the Canine Foundations review.
• Publicly release the findings of that investigation.
• Lay appropriate charges under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act where supported by the evidence.
• Refer any evidence of potential Criminal Code offences to York Regional Police without delay.
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
• Review all evidence referred by Provincial Animal Welfare Services.
• Conduct an independent criminal investigation where supported by the evidence.
• Publicly advise the public when an investigation has concluded, to the extent permitted by law.
THE TOWN OF AURORA, THE TOWN OF EAST GWILLIMBURY AND THE TOWN OF GEORGINA
• Cooperate fully with all investigations.
• Preserve all reports, photographs, video recordings, body-worn camera footage, dispatch records, veterinary records and any other evidence relating to this incident.
• Publicly disclose what actions each municipality has taken, or will take, to ensure a tragedy like this does not happen again.
• Explain whether policies, procedures, training or operational practices have been reviewed or changed as a result of Heiniu’s death.
• Commit to implementing any additional measures necessary to improve the safety and welfare of animals and maintain public confidence in municipal animal services.
THE PREMIER OF ONTARIO AND THE SOLICITOR GENERAL
• Ensure Provincial Animal Welfare Services carries out its statutory duties independently and without favour.
• Ensure that enforcement of Ontario’s animal welfare laws is not delayed or made dependent upon the outcome of a municipal training and protocols review.
• Reaffirm that Ontario’s animal welfare laws apply equally to every person, every public official and every government agency.
• Restore public confidence in Ontario’s commitment to protecting animals through fair, impartial and consistent enforcement of the law.
Heiniu’s death demands answers, accountability and, where supported by the evidence, appropriate charges.
No one is above the law.
For Heiniu.
