Dozens of people participated in a peaceful protest in Chatham on Thursday to save the lives of 21 dogs.
The demonstration was in support of two animal rights groups who are fighting an application from the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the euthanization of dogs seized from an alleged dogfighting ring in Chatham in 2015.
Some travelled from as far away as Toronto to give the dogs a second chance at life.
The lawyers for the animal rights groups asked the court for intervenor status. That would allow them to present their own evidence about the behaviour of the dogs, and why it would be unfair to put them down.
The OSPCA requires court approval to euthanize the animals. The group sought the opinion of a world renowned dog expert who determined the canines were some of the most aggressive he had ever seen.
OSPCA Deputy Chief Jennifer Bluhm tells CTV Windsor “we trust that opinion. We accept it.”
The OSPCA argues its application to euthanize the dogs is because of irreconcilable behaviour issues.
The OSPCA has also has refused to allow an independent assessment of the animals.
In documents filed with the court, the group 'Animal Justice' says it has evidence that the assessments done on the dogs are unreliable.
Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary questions the quality and accuracy of the assessments, and claims it has the ability to rehabilitate the dogs.
Lawyer John Nunziata says his client is willing to cover all costs associated with the case, and has experts in Florida willing to rehabilitate the animals If needed.
Lawyer Ken Marley represents the dogs owners. His clients don't want the dogs to be euthanized. Marley argues any decision about their fate should be done after the criminal proceedings have concluded.
The judge is expected to hand down his decision about the fate of the dogs in early December.
