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Health Unit did not order dog destroyed says Health Bd Chair

The chairman of the Health Board, which oversees the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, says he "guarantees" the Health Unit did not issue the euthanization order for Zombie, the two year old male Siberian husky destroyed without t

The chairman of the Health Board, which oversees the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, says he "guarantees" the Health Unit did not issue the euthanization order for Zombie, the two year old male Siberian husky destroyed without the owner's knowledge or permission.

See original story here: http://www.baytoday.ca/content/news/details.asp?c=76118

Rick Champagne told BayToday that it had nothing to do with the Health Unit.

"Basically what happened, Sandy Briggs (Animal Control Powassan) picked up the dog at her (Rosalea Van Mierlo) place and the arrangements were made between the two of them, whatever was discussed. Sandy Briggs made the decision that the dog had to be euthanized", said Champagne.

"I guess when she filled out the paperwork she (Briggs) put the Health Unit at the top. I have no idea why, but it should have been the owners name, and then all she did was report to the Health Unit what was going on. that's the extent of it. The Health Unit had nothing to do with it.

"The only reason the Health Unit got involved in the first place is that somebody got bit and reported it to the Health Unit, otherwise we had no reason to be there."

"Beyond that, you'd have to talk to Sandy Briggs to find out why the decision was made by her. Why she did what she did and what happened."

BayToday contacted Briggs but she declined to be interviewed, citing the possibility of court action.

Champagne believes Briggs is responsible for the dog's death.

"She's the one who made the final decision. She's the one who signed off on it. If the Health Unit would do it they have to do a 'section 13' and the medical health officer has to approve it. They never did all that. She (Briggs has the right to do that.

"The Humane society did not even mention the word euthanizing as far as I know, and I talked with (Humane Society Manager) Daryl (Vaillancourt) and he says 'no, we never put the order out' so that was done by Sandy Briggs.

Champagne insists the Health Unit did everything by the book and followed protocol.

He says when the Humane Society initially went down believing there was a bite, they told Van Mierlo to report it.

"And that's the only reason the Health Unit got involved. It's between the dog owner and Sandy Briggs," said Champagne.

"We're just there to make sure that the public is safe."


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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