Today, April 18th, 2019
In a packed courtroom in Woodstock, New Brunswick and following a heartfelt summation to the court that lasted for the better part of an hour, Judge Julian Dickson sentenced Kyle Springer to ONE YEAR IN JAIL followed by ONE YEAR PROBATION for the abandonment and death of Diesel, the sweet lab mix dog that we have all come to know and love through this horrible circumstance. Kyle Springer was also ordered not to have or live with any animal for 3 years. Many thanks and gratitude go out to Judge Julian Dickson today, for his wise counsel and strong sense of truth in these matters. Judge Dickson is a credit to the field of justice and an important ally for animals in New Brunswick.
EDIT : This sentence may seem like a sad commentary of our justice system for some who are disappointed with the amount of jail time imposed, but it is also a TRIUMPH as NO ONE has ever received this much sentence for animal abuse and neglect in the province of New Brunswick. An important precedent has been set. Diesel's voice has been heard.
On a personal note, I wrote and launched this petition in early December 2018 after hearing of the horrific, heartbreaking details surrounding Diesel's death. Hearing how LONG Diesel waited for someone, anyone, to return and how much he suffered, was very hard to accept. That Kyle Springer eluded the authorities for more than 3 years to avoid answering for his actions, was despicable. While today's sentence is a far cry from what Kyle Springer truly deserves, it's more than what was recommended by the crown prosecution in this case. Ultimately, Kyle Springer was found GUILTY and has been convicted for animal cruelty and neglect. This beyond the punishment will bear witness as a mark against Kyle Springer for potentially the rest of his life.
Through Diesel and other animals, we all share the common bond of advocacy for animals and the responsibility to stand up and speak out against animal cruelty in all of its forms to ensure that our justice system is acting accordingly in applying the laws that are currently in place. We have a maximum penalty of 5 years for animal cruelty in Canada, but I personally have yet to see any sentence come close to this punishment. Through this sentence today, the efforts that have been made to push for the maximum as well as other cases that have come before or are currently before the courts, perhaps we are moving closer to this, but not fast enough. Ultimately what we need to be moving closer towards is the PREVENTION of animal cruelty, neglect and abandonment. This is accomplished by reporting abuse the moment we see it, but also in the courts sending the message through stiffer penalties that there will be zero tolerance for animal abuse and neglect.
Thank you to everyone who lent their signature and support for a maximum sentence in this case. To those who shared this petition and messages in support of #JusticeforDiesel. To those who shared Diesel's story / discussed Diesel with others, who sent emails and made phone calls, who showed up in support of Diesel at the rallies and sentencing of Kyle Springer. ALL of these efforts have brought an INCREDIBLE amount of awareness, attention and hope around the subject of animal welfare and the need to speak out and fight for greater protections for animals. These efforts are proof that when people come together, change has the best chance of happening.
And finally to sweet Diesel, this one was for you buddy. Rest peacefully knowing that you were/are very much loved and supported by thousands.
Please continue supporting these and other efforts that seek to bring awareness and change for animals everywhere.
Brenda Campbell
ADVOCACY FOR ANIMALS
ONTARIO, Canada
CTV News - Sentencing :