The abuse of a pet dog led to allegations of racism and calls for the stepping down of the provincial SPCA president.
Last week the Happy Valley-Goose Bay SPCA seized a puppy that was so badly beaten it had to be destroyed. While there was at first no mention where the animal had been taken from, it was later confirmed the puppy was taken from the Innu community of Sheshatshiu.
Shortly after the animal was discovered, it was reported that SPCA president Lee Hill posted comments on the social media website, Facebook, saying she wanted to go to the Labrador community and “blow them all away.” That infuriated the Innu First Nations people, who took to Facebook and responded quickly.
“I wants to see the persons that said racial remarks towards Sheshatshiu to step down,” wrote Etuet Nuna, a resident of Sheshatshiu. “Goose Bay leaders should not tolerate this kind of behaviour and should set strong guidelines to businesses and organizations.”
Yet another Facebook user wants to separate from Newfoundland and Labrador as a result of the comment from Ms. Hill.
“I think both First Nations should seriously consider a protest on the issue and seek her resignation...a peaceful one that is..this is not the 60's, 70's, the 80's, and so forth......obviously racism still exist to this day....as we have all seen..,” wrote Virginia Collins.
Read more in Monday's Labradorian
