SIGNS OF CHANGE BUT THE FIGHT IS NOT OVERThere are signs that Canada’s horse slaughter industry is shifting—and not a moment too soon. But while one door may be closing, others remain wide open. Here's what we know right now: 1. Bouvry’s (Horse) Slaughter Plant in...
HEINIU EMAIL CAMPAIGN
A FOURTH EMAIL CAMPAIGN IS NOW LIVE
August 20, 2026: If you are on this post you are likely looking for a "done for you fill in the blank email form" -- that sends a letter to elected officials and others who can bring about change -- so that the death of Heiniu is not in vain. (SCROLL DOWN - SEE THE 'CALL TO ACTION'.)
NEED A QUICK OVERVIEW? CLICK THE PLUS SIGN TO THE RIGHT.
A neighbourhood in shock is demanding answers after a lost Rottweiler died during an interaction with Aurora Animal Services on May 4th, 2026.
What began as a routine call to pick up two stray dogs ended in a scene witnesses describe as traumatic and deeply disturbing. Earlier in the day, reports were made about two dogs running at large. Community members were able to safely secure both dogs on private property.
Witnesses state the dogs were friendly, calm, leashed, provided water, and showed no obvious signs of aggression while waiting for Animal Services to arrive. (Video available here shows the same.)
When Animal Services attended, one officer loaded the German Shorthaired Pointer into a truck enclosure. Witnesses report that after the dogs were separated, the Rottweiler, named Heiniu became visibly distressed.
Witnesses who are willing to go on the record - allege that what followed was an approximately two-hour struggle involving catch poles with "metal noose-like" restraints while numerous bystanders pleaded with Animal Control officers to stop.
Several witnesses report observing the dog in severe distress, struggling intensely for a prolonged period. Heiniu's body was transported to an emergency vet clinic by Animal Control/Services officers and the initial vet report states: "Lacerations around neck from leash being imbedded into skin". Again, the 'leashed' used by Animal Control officers were metal 'nooses' on the ends of two catch poles.
The incident ended with the death of Heiniu, a Rottweiler.
This was not an accident.
More details here.
SCROLL DOWN to send a done-for-you email.
TO SEND THE DONE-FOR-YOU EMAIL...
1. Fill out the form BELOW.
2. Click “SEND MY LETTER”.
A pre-written email appears. You can send it as-is or personalize it if you wish.
Your own email program opens with the message addressed to those who can bring about change.
You simply press send within your regular email program.
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IF the form does not work for you -- you can always scroll down further on the page for a "copy and paste" version of the letter and the email addresses to send it to.
DEMAND FOR A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION — DEATH OF HEINIU
Add your voice. Complete the form below to send a letter demanding accountability, transparency and appropriate enforcement of Canada's Criminal Code regarding the death of Heiniu.
Your letter will go to:
Premier Doug Ford
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner
Chief Animal Welfare Inspector Melanie Milczynski
Attorney General Doug Downey
Chief Paulo Da Silva, York Regional Police
Assistant to Chief Da Silva
Superintendent David MacDonald, York Regional Police
York Regional Police
Mayor Tom Mrakas
Aurora Town Council
Aurora Chief Administrative Officer Doug Nadorozny
East Gwillimbury Council
Georgina Council
Mayor Margaret Quirk
Dan Kuzmyk — Regional Solicitor, York Region
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner
Chief Animal Welfare Inspector Melanie Milczynski
Attorney General Doug Downey
Chief Paulo Da Silva, York Regional Police
Assistant to Chief Da Silva
Superintendent David MacDonald, York Regional Police
York Regional Police
Mayor Tom Mrakas
Aurora Town Council
Aurora Chief Administrative Officer Doug Nadorozny
East Gwillimbury Council
Georgina Council
Mayor Margaret Quirk
Dan Kuzmyk — Regional Solicitor, York Region
Your Information
Your Letter
I am writing as a citizen of Ontario to demand accountability, transparency and the appropriate enforcement of 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.
The Criminal Code of Canada recognizes that causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal can constitute a criminal offence. The law does not create an exception because the people involved are animal control officers, municipal employees or other public officials.
Those entrusted with protecting animals must be held to the same standard of accountability expected of every citizen. The law must be applied equally, regardless of who is involved.
Heiniu's death has raised serious questions about what happened, the actions of the animal control officers involved, and whether the conduct that led to Heiniu's death may have crossed the line from poor judgment or inadequate care into criminal conduct.
Justice cannot depend on who owns the animal, who was involved, or whether those involved are government employees.
Animal protection laws exist to protect animals. 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 the circumstances to be investigated and, where supported by the evidence, appropriate charges to be considered — including criminal charges.
Why should this case be any different?
CRIMINAL CODE RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal protection in Ontario involves both provincial and federal law.
The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act creates provincial offences that are prosecuted under the Provincial Offences Act. However, the Criminal Code of Canada separately recognizes animal cruelty as a criminal offence.
Section 445.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 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."
Section 445.1(3) further provides:
"For the purposes of proceedings under paragraph (1)(a), evidence that a person failed to exercise reasonable care or supervision of an animal or a bird thereby causing it pain, suffering or injury is, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, proof that the pain, suffering or injury was caused or was permitted to be caused wilfully, as the case may be."
These provisions matter.
The question is not simply whether the conduct may constitute an offence under Ontario's animal welfare legislation. The separate question is whether the evidence supports an offence under the Criminal Code.
A potential Criminal Code offence cannot simply be left unexamined because the same circumstances may also give rise to an investigation under the PAWS Act.
Provincial animal welfare proceedings and a criminal investigation are not interchangeable. They involve different legislation, different offences and different enforcement processes.
Where the available evidence raises a reasonable concern that a criminal offence may have occurred, that evidence should be assessed by the police.
That responsibility falls within the mandate of York Regional Police.
THE EVIDENCE MUST BE INVESTIGATED
We believe the physical, eyewitness and medical evidence surrounding Heiniu's death raises serious questions that warrant a criminal investigation.
We are not asking York Regional Police to presume guilt.
We are asking York Regional Police to investigate.
It is the responsibility of an independent police investigation to determine what happened, assess the evidence, establish whether the conduct falls within the Criminal Code, and determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
The fact that the individuals involved were acting in their capacity as animal control officers should not prevent that investigation.
Nor should the existence of a separate provincial animal welfare process be used as a reason to avoid examining potential criminal liability.
Heiniu cannot speak for himself.
The evidence must speak for him.
YORK REGIONAL POLICE — WE ARE ASKING YOU TO ACT
We are asking York Regional Police to:
• Open an independent criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Heiniu's death.
• Examine the available physical, eyewitness, medical and other relevant evidence under the applicable provisions of the Criminal Code.
• Determine whether the evidence supports charges under section 445.1 or any other applicable provision of the Criminal Code.
• Preserve and obtain all relevant evidence necessary to conduct a complete investigation.
• Ensure that the investigation is independent of the municipality and the animal control service involved.
• Advise the public whether a criminal investigation has been opened, subject to any legal restrictions on disclosure.
• Once the investigation has concluded, advise the public whether criminal charges were laid, to the extent permitted by law.
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW
We are asking York Regional Police to investigate the evidence, determine whether a Criminal Code offence occurred, and take appropriate action where the evidence supports it.
If there is no criminal offence, the public deserves to know that conclusion was reached through a proper investigation.
If the evidence supports criminal charges, then those charges should be laid.
No one is above the law.
Clicking SEND MY LETTER will open your email program with the recipients, subject and letter prepared for you. Please review the email before sending.
We are 100% volunteer & crowdfunded.
0% goes towards salaries. Yes, ZERO.
HAVING TROUBLE SENDING THE LETTER?
If the form does not work with your email program, you can still participate.
Copy the letter below and paste it into a new email.
Use the subject line:
DEMAND FOR A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION - DEATH OF HEINIU
and the recipient email addresses below.
Dear York Regional Police,
I am writing as a citizen of Ontario to demand accountability, transparency and the appropriate enforcement of 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.
The Criminal Code of Canada recognizes that causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal can constitute a criminal offence. The law does not create an exception because the people involved are animal control officers, municipal employees or other public officials.
Those entrusted with protecting animals must be held to the same standard of accountability expected of every citizen.
The law must be applied equally, regardless of who is involved.
Heiniu's death has raised serious questions about what happened, the actions of the animal control officers involved, and whether the conduct that led to Heiniu's death may have crossed the line from poor judgment or inadequate care into criminal conduct.
Justice cannot depend on who owns the animal, who was involved, or whether those involved are government employees.
Animal protection laws exist to protect animals. 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 the circumstances to be investigated and, where supported by the evidence, appropriate charges to be considered — including criminal charges.
Why should this case be any different?
CRIMINAL CODE RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal protection in Ontario involves both provincial and federal law.
The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act creates provincial offences that are prosecuted under the Provincial Offences Act. However, the Criminal Code of Canada separately recognizes animal cruelty as a criminal offence.
Section 445.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code 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."
Section 445.1(3) further provides:
"For the purposes of proceedings under paragraph (1)(a), evidence that a person failed to exercise reasonable care or supervision of an animal or a bird thereby causing it pain, suffering or injury is, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, proof that the pain, suffering or injury was caused or was permitted to be caused wilfully, as the case may be."
These provisions matter.
The question is not simply whether the conduct may constitute an offence under Ontario's animal welfare legislation. The separate question is whether the evidence supports an offence under the Criminal Code.
A potential Criminal Code offence cannot simply be left unexamined because the same circumstances may also give rise to an investigation under the PAWS Act.
Provincial animal welfare proceedings and a criminal investigation are not interchangeable. They involve different legislation, different offences and different enforcement processes.
Where the available evidence raises a reasonable concern that a criminal offence may have occurred, that evidence should be assessed by the police.
That responsibility falls within the mandate of York Regional Police.
THE EVIDENCE MUST BE INVESTIGATED
We believe the physical, eyewitness and medical evidence surrounding Heiniu's death raises serious questions that warrant a criminal investigation.
We are not asking York Regional Police to presume guilt.
We are asking York Regional Police to investigate.
It is the responsibility of an independent police investigation to determine what happened, assess the evidence, establish whether the conduct falls within the Criminal Code, and determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
The fact that the individuals involved were acting in their capacity as animal control officers should not prevent that investigation.
Nor should the existence of a separate provincial animal welfare process be used as a reason to avoid examining potential criminal liability.
Heiniu cannot speak for himself.
The evidence must speak for him.
YORK REGIONAL POLICE — WE ARE ASKING YOU TO ACT
We are asking York Regional Police to:
• Open an independent criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Heiniu's death.
• Examine the available physical, eyewitness, medical and other relevant evidence under the applicable provisions of the Criminal Code.
• Determine whether the evidence supports charges under section 445.1 or any other applicable provision of the Criminal Code.
• Preserve and obtain all relevant evidence necessary to conduct a complete investigation.
• Ensure that the investigation is independent of the municipality and the animal control service involved.
• Advise the public whether a criminal investigation has been opened, subject to any legal restrictions on disclosure.
• Once the investigation has concluded, advise the public whether criminal charges were laid, to the extent permitted by law.
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW
We are asking York Regional Police to investigate the evidence, determine whether a Criminal Code offence occurred, and take appropriate action where the evidence supports it.
If there is no criminal offence, the public deserves to know that conclusion was reached through a proper investigation.
If the evidence supports criminal charges, then those charges should be laid.
No one is above the law.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
SEND YOUR EMAIL TO...
Doug Ford — Premier of Ontario — premier@ontario.ca
Michael Kerzner — Solicitor General — Minister.solgen@ontario.ca
Melanie Milczynski — Chief Animal Welfare Inspector — Melanie.Milczynski@ontario.ca
Doug Downey — Attorney General — attorneygeneral@ontario.ca
Assistant to Chief Da Silva — 5820@yrp.ca
Superintendent David MacDonald — York Regional Police — 1189@yrp.ca
York Regional Police — 916@yrp.ca
Tom Mrakas — Mayor of Aurora — tmrakas@aurora.ca
Aurora Town Council — allcouncillors@aurora.ca
Doug Nadorozny — Aurora Chief Administrative Officer — dnadorozny@aurora.ca
East Gwillimbury Council — clerks@eastgwillimbury.ca
Georgina Council — clerks@georgina.ca
Margaret Quirk — Mayor of Georgina — mquirk@georgina.ca
Dan Kuzmyk — Regional Solicitor, York Region — Dan.Kuzmyk@york.ca
While we push for accountability, we’re also working to save lives — currently raising funds to support a group of draft cross horses in Ontario who would otherwise have gone to slaughter. AND to save 4 horses in New Brunswick from being sold to a kill buyer. Every dollar raised this month will go towards those two projects.
BOUVRY HORSE SLAUGHTER PLANT CLOSED
read more
THANK YOU MONIKA REKOLA & MIDLAND TODAY .CA
UPDATE ON 13 ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES CHARGES STEPHANIE REDLICK IS FACING We really can’t thank Monika Rekola enough for continuing to follow the Stephanie Redlick story and for giving cases like these the attention they deserve. Today's article brings readers up to...
REDLICK’S COURT DATES
STEPHANIE REDLICK'S UPCOMING COURT DATESPROVINCIAL COURT AWS CHARGES September 17, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m.Port Perry Animal Welfare Services Charges (and Oro-Medonte Animal Welfare Services charges have been rolled into the same jurisdiction). The following court appearance...
HORSES SLAUGHTERED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Every year thousands of horses are routinely slaughtered in Canada, for human consumption, but you can help us ban horse slaughter in Canada and beyond.
Some of the meat is consumed in Canada, and much of it is shipped to the European Union, and other markets, including Japan.
This barbaric practice is currently not legal in the United States, so horses from the United States are shipped to Canada, and to Mexico, to be slaughtered.
In addition Canada allows for the transportation of live horses to Japan to be slaughtered for human consumption, and unfortunately the transportation of horses destined for slaughter within Canada, and by air to Japan for slaughter, is far from humane.
LEARN MORE HERE <==
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0% goes towards salaries. Yes, ZERO.
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