Ottawa Police Announce Intentions To Seize Pets From Protestors, Force Them Into Protective Care
Protesters taking part in anti-mandate rallies in Ottawa have been told that their pets may be taken away by law officials soon.
Ottawa By-law said in a tweet sent out this morning: “If you are unable to care for your animal as a result of enforcement actions, your animal will [be] placed into protective care for 8 days, at your cost.”
“After 8 days, if arrangements are not made, your animal will be considered relinquished.”
Attention animal owners at demonstration
If you are unable to care for your animal as a result of enforcement actions, your animal will placed into protective care for 8 days, at your cost. After 8 days, if arrangements are not made, your animal will be considered relinquished. pic.twitter.com/OkbXc8RE3c
— Ottawa By-law (@OttawaBylaw) February 17, 2022
Social media users were outraged over the announcement.
The decision comes as Ottawa police continue to attempt to end a three-week protest against vaccine mandates.
Many protestors, particularly those driving heavy trucks, have shown no indications of relenting.
There was consensus, according to one source, among protestors that an insurrection would not occur if police took serious action against them.
“If they come at us, we’ve all been instructed and agreed that — take a knee and allow the officers to do their job, thank them for doing their job and be non−confrontational,” said Glen Harris, a mechanic from Melbourne, Ontario
He added, “We have to keep this non−violent.”
It’s critical that we maintain calm because the moment we cross that line, we become the issue.
“We have to keep this peaceful because the minute we cross that line, we become the issue.”
Police estimated last week that as many as 100 children were traveling in the caravan with their parents, though it was unclear how many children were still there on Thursday.
The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa pressured parents to not protest with their children or else “potential police action” would be taken.
The enforcement of one of the new orders issued under the Emergencies Act, which was invoked earlier this week, makes it illegal to bring a minor to an illegal blockade or within 500 meters of one.
On Wednesday, Deputy Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell stated that officers were prepared to utilize measures that were unfamiliar to the public in efforts to clear the streets.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for any updates.
