Disturbing News

One of the nice things about working on the Inglewood Newsletter, is getting to hear all the positive stories from people who share and appreciate our community. Sometimes the occasional squabble or complaint comes up, but in general the issues are pretty mild - one of the main reasons I volunteer on the newsletter is to help people have a place where they can voice their issues to their neighbours, and encourage healthy discourse to resolve the problem through communication and cooperation. I'd like to think this happens more often than not - it is, afterall, the reason community organizations like the ICA exist. Participation and discussion are part of what make a community strong.

But then, a story like this comes along:

"Heinous Crime
Hello. I am Joan MacGougan, living on 16th St. I have recently lost my purebred Border Collie, known as “JD” to all at the Off -leash park.
JD passed away last Saturday morning before I was able to get him to the CARE centre. Upon having an autopsy done, it was discovered that he died of WARFRIN, better known as “rat poison”.
As JD only had 3 legs, we didn't go to the park in the winter due to the ice and snow, so the poison was given him right here, in HIS yard. Please, please be vigilant with your dog. I cannot ask anything more of you, just let's not have another member of our family die in this most gruesome way.
As you can imagine, I am above and beyond anger. If anyone has any observances, kindly contact the City Police, the Humane Society, as these agencies have been notified. Thank you for reading this, and take care of your friend."
Newsletter Director's note: since receipt of this letter, two cats have also been found dead in the alley. please protect your pets.

In this case, I think the story deserves special attention. This story would indicate a fellow citizen feels they have the right to deal with a personal issue in such an ugly and cowardly way, as to take it out on the most innocent members of our community - pets.

Joan, it's safe to say that everyone who reads this, save perhaps the person responsible for your loss, shares in your anger and disappointment. To the person responsible, if you've got a problem with the way pets are managed by their owners - or perhaps even with animals themselves, there are better ways to solve your problems. Taking things into your own hands in such a way, only leads to fear and anger in a community, and that will ultimately turn against us all. Bitter, petty people included.