Sled Dogs Gassed, Hanged, And Frozen: Three People Are Facing Animal Cruelty Charges

Published: September 20, 2022 at 12:10 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

Quebec, Canada – Three people associated with the Expedition Mi-Loup sled dog company in Saint-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, are facing animal cruelty charges after an investigation revealed appalling cruelty that left dozens of sled dogs dead. The deep dive into what was happening at the sled dog company began after a tip was received in April 2022.

The investigation led to the discovery of abhorrent methods to kill unwanted dogs and puppies. Officials allege that Antoine Simard, 41, Elisabeth Leclerc, 39, and 58-year-old Édouard Parent took part in horrific “euthanization” methods including a homemade gas chamber where dogs were killed with welding gas.

Other dogs were killed via methods including hanging, drowning, and being shot.

Animal rights activist Shay Lee, who visited the property,  told CTV News:

“Witnessing the dog and puppies in the freezer was truly horrifying, but it was necessary for me to see to be able to expose this injustice.”

Anne Shaughnessy accompanied Lee to the sled dog business and she commented on the horror she witnessed:

“Seeing the rudimentary contraption the owners made to gas puppies was shocking. Opening a large freezer and finding young and older dogs frozen to death hit me hard. Learning that dogs at Mi-loup were shot, drowned, gassed and hanged shook me to my core.”

These dogs were bred to be exploited, and those who were unwanted were killed in despicable, cruel ways. Sled dogs are not different from other dogs. They desire love and comfort just like pet dogs. And by definition, euthanasia is “painless killing to end suffering.” The way these dogs were killed WAS NOT euthanasia and it is absolutely unacceptable! Please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory fight for justice.

We the undersigned demand that Antoine Simard, Elisabeth Leclerc, and Édouard Parent are held responsible for using cruel methods to kill unwanted dogs and puppies at the Expedition Mi-Loup sled dog company. We are fighting for the maximum punishment allowable by law for the individuals who took part in these abhorrent methods of “euthanasia.”

Additional information: The company is out of business and the surviving dogs were all rehomed. The three people facing animal cruelty charges are due in court on November 16, 2022.

Watch this W5 documentary to better understand the ugly side of the sled dog industry, including what was happening at the Mi-Loup Sled Dog Company

Note: Individuals are presumed innocent until they have been found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

CTV News

Montreal CTV News

W5 Documentary: Uncovering the shocking treatment of sled dogs in Canada

Final Update June 2024: Animal Victory is pleased to share the conviction of Antoine Simard. Judge Hubert Couture called Simard’s testimony not credible, and he was found guilty of all the charges filed, including killing or injuring dogs, causing them suffering and failing to provide proper food, shelter and care. Édouard Parent, who had benefited from a motion to dismiss the third charge, was still found guilty of the first two (killing or injuring dogs and causing suffering). Élisabeth Leclerc, was acquitted of all charges; she was considered to be “administrative” in her duties with no “obvious control over the dogs.” Animal Victory thanks everyone who signed the petition and helped keep this case in the forefront, enabling the court system to dole out justice for the slain dogs!

Update: 5/12/2023: Animal Victory sent cover letter and petition to the judge.

Update: 10/12/2022: Animal Victory has sent our petition along with 16,260 signatures to the  Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.

Update: 10/4/2022: The accused are expected to appear in court on November 16.

Prior Signatures 16,260