Dakota, a 1-year-old German Shepherd, suffered and died in an environment of stark neglect and abuse. Despite numerous pleas to the Animal Welfare Services (AWS) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), no action was taken to prevent this horrific outcome. 

This tragedy unveils the significant shortfalls in animal cruelty laws in Ontario and the lack of authority given to animal welfare agencies. Similar cases are alarmingly prevalent with several instances likely going unreported each day.

Through this petition, we call for a comprehensive review and strengthening of animal cruelty laws in Ontario. We advocate for attuning them to the realities and challenges faced by animals like Dakota, thereby ensuring their rights, welfare, and safety are upheld.

We also urge for empowering animal welfare agencies like AWS and SPCA, granting them more authority to intervene in situations of abuse, neglect, and danger. Inadequate legislative support drastically hampers their ability to act, despite being the first line of defense against animal cruelty.

Dakota suffered and died because the system meant to protect her failed. Multiple calls and complaints were made to the Animal Welfare Services (AWS) and the SPCA, yet no action was taken until it was too late. The only reason charges were finally laid was due to relentless public pressure—not because the system worked as it should.

This is unacceptable. Dakota’s story deserved widespread media attention, yet it was largely ignored. The lack of coverage meant less public outcry, less awareness, and fewer voices demanding justice. We cannot allow this to keep happening. Her death must not be in vain.

We demand:
 1. Stronger laws giving AWS and the SPCA more authority to remove animals in danger. 
 

2. Clearer and stricter investigative protocols to prevent animals from suffering due to bureaucratic inaction.
 

3. Accountability for those who failed Dakota—including an evaluation of leadership within these organizations.

4. Increased media attention on animal cruelty cases to ensure transparency and justice.

5.Criminal charges against Carly Young not just Provincial offence charges

6. We demand charges be laid against Christopher Young Carly's husband also Dakota's owner

The first court date in Dakota’s case is on February 25th,2024 in Welland.

Carly Young is charged with four offenses under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act.

These include:

•           Section 49(2)(a) Permitting Distress to an animal x 1 count.

•           Section 49(2)(b) Permitting Distress to an animal. x 1 count

•           Section 49(1)(a)(i) – Standards of Care x 1 count

•           Section 49(1)(a)(ii) Exposure to undue risk of distress. x 1 

*Christopher Young, Carly’s husband, Dakota’s other owner has not been  charged

We must show up, speak out, and ensure that no other animal endures the suffering she did. Please sign and share this petition to demand justice and real change in our animal protection system.

Dakota’s story should have been a wake-up call. Let’s make sure it is!

For Dakota and countless other animals who have suffered due to systemic negligence, we cannot afford to remain silent or passive. Let's give our voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, urging lawmakers and agencies in Ontario to prevent any more avoidable tragedies. Join this initiative and sign this petition; every signature brings us one step closer to a safer world for animals.

Sign and share to demand justice!