‘Just plain morbid': Video of man appearing to drown squirrel sparks outrage in Île-Perrot
A video recorded in Île-Perrot has sparked outrage among neighbours and animal rights advocates.
It appears to show a man trapping a squirrel, then drowning it.
Squirrels digging through gardens is a common frustration but one man's alleged response is drawing sharp criticism.
Alian De Hondt claims some neighbours told him this isn't the first time it's happened. Animal rights' activist Rob Boisvert says he confronted the man once he was made aware of the situation.
'He explained to me, in detail, how he would take the cage and put it in the water. That's it. Quick and easy. Quick death,' said Boisvert, founder of 269 Animal Rescue.
Squirrel abuse
A screenshot of a video appearing to show a man drown a squirrel in Île-Perrot. (Obtained by CTV News)
In a recorded exchange, Boisvert says he told the man it was illegal.
In the recording, the man says he wanted to protect his garden and the birds in his backyard.
But that reason doesn't sit well with De Hondt.
'They're mammals, they suffer just like us. If we live in a place with nice nature, trees and whatnot, we have to accept that there's life around,' he said.
Squirrel abuse comments
A compilation of comments on Facebook condemning the man's actions. (CTV News)
CTV News tried to speak with the man on two occasions but no one answered the door at his home and he didn't respond to other requests for comment.
The Montreal SPCA is now investigating, saying the case could fall under the Criminal Code, which bans causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.
'They can be fined or go up to jail for five years for animal cruelty,' said Laurence Masse, executive director of SPCA Montreal.
The Sûreté du Québec has also opened a file.
According to the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, squirrels are protected. Killing them without authorization is illegal.
'People need to obey those laws. Plus, there's the fact that it's just plain morbid,' Boisvert said.
There are exceptions, including when an animal causes serious damage and other solutions have failed. But even then, animal advocates say killing is supposed to be a last resort.
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