1. We petition Canadian Minister of Justice: Irwin Cotler, Nova Scotia Minister of Justice: Honorable Michael Baker and Halifax Mayor: Peter J. Kelly to insist that a fair, impartial investigation and public inquiry into the actions and misconduct of the Halifax Regional Police including allegations of corruption, collusion, abuse of power and authority be done concerning the case surrounding the Halifax Regional Police Department and their treatment of James Symington starting at the time he challenged the implementation of a policy that all canines be euthanized at the time of their retirement, and continuing to this day in the form of the continued refusal by the Halifax Regional Police Department, the Mayors Office, and several other offices to accept the responsibility to hear the complaints. Although many offices acknowledge the mistreatment of James Symington, none of them will stand up to ensure accountability. We urge the above named officials, with all due respect, to allow and recommend the requested investigation/inquiry to be done.

2. We also petition the above named that the investigation be widened to include the Mayor's Office and Mayor Peter J. Kelly as he was made aware of the illegal and unethical activity the police engaged in against James Symington, but refused to step in and investigate. He instead chose to protect "his police force".

3. We also petition that the above named look into the current policy of canine retirement, including any canines that do not complete training, within Halifax Regional Police Department. James Symington was able to stop the policy from being implemented at the time his discrimination and harassment began, but we are unsure of the current policy or if one is even in effect. If there is no policy in effect, the Halifax Regional Police Department is in essence free to euthanize these canine officers at their will. We have knowledge of at least one canine officer being euthanized since James Symington stopped the policy from being implemented. These dogs should be retired and allowed to live out their remaining life in peace.


BACKGROUND:

In 2000, Constable James Symington, then head of the Halifax Regional Police K-9 Unit, took a stand against certain supervisors and political seats within the Halifax Regional Police in an effort to stop a proposed policy of euthanizing all retired canine officers from being implemented. Constable Symington's canine partner was next in line for euthanasia. Constable Symington refused to put down his partner of 6 years - Trakr, a beautiful, healthy, german shepherd. During the next year, James Symington had to endure harassment, ridicule, and discrimination. By summer 2001, Constable James Symington took leave due to workplace harassment and stressful working conditions because of this treatment and harassment he endured by his superiors. During this leave, James and Trakr went to the site of the World Trade Center as volunteers and Trakr was able to find one of the live victims in the first 24 hours after the towers fell. He and Trakr made the news - they were heroes! But when his department got the word, they forced James to turn in his badge. Reportedly for going to the World Trade Center disaster without authorization. Although it is obvious that what began with the halting of the euthanasia policy by Constable Symington, his career was doomed at that point. The Halifax Regional Police Department was just waiting for the opportunity to force him to turn in his badge. James and Trakr's volunteer work after 9/11 gave them the perfect opportunity. His name was smeared in the press, his reputation and character were destroyed by false allegations and defamation.

James Symington is now embroiled in a battle with the Halifax Regional Police Department in an effort to seek a public inquiry and investigation into the corruption and collusion that exists within the Halifax Regional Police Department as a whole.

The whole story can be read at http://www.animalhelp.com/library/articledetail.cfm?artid=352 along with photos of James and Trakr.

It has been rumored that the police department has spent in excess of $3 million in trying to avoid having this investigation done. They continue to try to get the case thrown out on legal technicalities and loopholes. Their tactic seems to be waiting James out, knowing he cannot financially sustain this quest for very long. AnimalHelp.Com calls on all dog lovers to help put an end to the department corruption and harassment of an officer who fought to do what is right for his and other police K-9s within his department, and to ensure that in this, and other police departments, loyal and healthy police K-9s will not put down at the end of their service if they can be adopted out. Because of James Symington's love for his partner he lost his career, his credibility and his home, but the Symington family is enjoying every day they have with Trakr as a retired, but still healthy and live, former police canine, now beloved family pet.

Thank goodness the world has people like James Symington. We would be lucky indeed to have more heroes like him.