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/ #6298 Robert Fawcett pleads "guilty"

2012-10-21 01:46

August 28, 2012

The man accused of killing 56 sled dogs and burying them in a mass grave in Whistler pleaded guilty in court today.

Robert Fawcett was charged with one count of causing unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals.

The dogs were dug out from their grave after details of the killings were leaked through a worker's compensation claim of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The incident garnered international attention and prompted the BC government to implement tougher laws to protect sled dogs.

Fawcett appeared in person with his lawyer.

Animal rights activists were outside the court, showing their support for the slaughtered animals.

Fawcett will be sentenced November 22. Crown is seeking a physiological assessment, which will take between six to eight weeks to complete.

If convicted, Fawcett faces up to five years in jail, a fine of up to $75,000 and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.

The B.C. SPCA released a statement calling for swift and appropriate justice in this “very disturbing case.”

General manager of cruelty investigations Marcie Moriarty said the massive investigation that they have conducted into the case was “unprecedented in [the organization’s] history,” but to ignore the allegations was not an option.

Moriarty says the investigation is also about ensuring that all sled dogs and other working animals are protected from suffering and abuse.

A memorial for the slain dogs is being planned for November 2.


© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2012.


Read it on Global News: Global BC | Man accused of killing Whistler sled dogs pleads guilty