Authorities have responded to
a horrific case of animal and child abuse in Edmonton, Canada. For years, a father and his partner tortured seven young children and multiple pets in their care - including through
beatings, stranglings, other forms of assault, and malnourishment.He even apparently applied a shock collar to some of the young children, who ranged in age from 2 to 13 years old, as a way to punish them.As officials stated: "These children have been subjected to years of physical and emotional pain, dysfunction that no child should have to deal with in their lives." Edmonton's staff sergeant further explained:
"Without question, this is one of the most disturbing cases of child abuse that our Child Protection investigators have ever seen."Now, the couple has been charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, unlawful confinement, and animal cruelty. Together with a third adult who was also involved, they face upwards of 100 charges.
After years of these abuses, local agencies have intervened. The children are now in foster care, while the pet dogs have also been rehomed. Yet what happens next?
It is important that these children and pets remain connected as they work to heal from their trauma together. Even if it is difficult to find a family to take in all the children and dogs, local agencies must find a way to keep them all regularly connected as they build a new sense of safety.
These children and dogs have already survived so much; they shouldn't also have to suffer the heartbreak of losing each other. Sign the petition to urge authorities to implement a plan that will keep them connected to each other as a way to build resiliency!