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Dogs' prolonged incarceration is cruel

Dear editor, Chum and Champ spent nine months held in separate cages at the SPCA before being granted a temporary reprieve.

Dear editor,

Chum and Champ spent nine months held in separate cages at the SPCA before being granted a temporary reprieve for a month before the Dec. 16 court date.

Edith Manseau, one of the dogs' owners, went into hospital the day before the dogs were released and died a few days later without having seen her dogs since their seizure.

Because of legal costs, Jacques Manseau, had to go back to work out of town. Chum and Champ were, with permission from the CVRD, moved to the house of friends.

They were dutifully returned to the CVRD the day before the court session — a traumatic event for the dogs.

The court decision was delayed yet another month.

The CVRD's manager of bylaw complaints objected to the dogs being again released to the couple that had housed them on a permanent basis, apparently concerned that the yard was too small and that the couple, over 70 years old, were too old.

As of Dec. 11, the dogs were again languishing in separate cages at the SPCA.

Those who know and love dogs know that such prolonged incarceration is cruel.

Pat Newson,

Comox

Editor's note: The Comox Valley Regional District has approved the release of Chum and Champ to a temporary home in Comox.