Giant Destroyer on hold as city waits for provincial approval to attack squirrel problem
The City of Winnipeg has yet to secure provincial approval for its plan to treat ground squirrels with a lethal pesticide, creating a delay in the program amid concerns over animal rights.
The city initially planned to start using a sulfur gas product known as 'Giant Destroyer' to euthanize the animals at eight parks and community centre fields on Tuesday.
Without treatment, city officials have warned ground squirrels can create deep dips and holes in athletic fields and green spaces where people and pets can trip and hurt themselves.
COLIN CORNEAU / BRANDON SUN FILES
A March public service report notes the city used poison to control ground squirrels in the past before switching to sulfur gas and then carbon monoxide.
There is no clear date for the program to begin, a city spokesman confirmed.
'The program is paused while we await provincial approval of our pesticide use permit. That will determine when the program can proceed,' said Kalen Qually, in an email.
'The ground squirrel populations in some athletic fields are creating significant damage and safety concerns for the public. This is the interim management strategy while alternative methods are researched,' added Qually.
Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy for the group Animal Justice, accused the city of failing to give sufficient details in a public notice about the ground squirrel program.
That notice neglected to say exactly where the gas would be used, key information for residents who live next to the sites and might want to object to the program, Mitchell said.
'Because they haven't even listed where it's going to be used, if I was a neighbouring property owner, I might not even know that it's being used next to my property, let alone that I have the right to object,' she said.
A city report posted online in March listed the affected parks as Charleswood Place, Beryl Watts Park/Vince Leah Community Centre, Fairgrove Bay Park, Woodsworth Park, Shaughnessy Park, Weston Memorial Community Centre, Theodore Niitzhotay Fontaine Park and St. James Memorial Sports Park.
While those sites have also been listed in some news stories, people who read only the public notice may not have been aware of the locations, said Mitchell.
She also objects to the program itself, arguing a trap-and-release strategy that started in March, before new offspring were born, would have been more effective and humane.
'I certainly don't advocate for any lethal methods but if you are going to use a lethal method, then at the very least we should be looking at methods that cause immediate death and that is not the case with Giant Destroyer. My understanding is animals can take up to an hour or even more to die. It's really horrific,' she said.
Danae Tonge, an organizer with Manitoba Animal Save, also objects to the use of sulfur gas on ground squirrels, which she fears would put predators, pets and people at risk of exposure to the gas, too.
'It really is the cruellest way we could possibly deal with this situation,' said Tonge.
She said a trap-and-release program or other alternative, such as using drugs to prevent the animals from producing offspring, are better options.
The chairwoman of council's community services committee said some residents objected to the program, which led the province to review the permit application.
'My understanding is several residents have appealed and the province required the City of Winnipeg to explain why we're (using) the Giant Destroyer,' said Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas). 'There was obviously a delay because the province hasn't issued a permit yet.
Mayor Scott Gillingham said city staff carefully considered all options for ground squirrel control and remain open-minded to new methods, though they will use sulfur gas this season.
'Our fields need to be maintained in a condition where people can use them and use them safely … When there are holes in the fields, they're, frankly, dangerous. You've got kids or adults that are running, and you can trip in those holes and get injured. And, so, we need to make sure that we're doing all we can to maintain the surfaces of our fields and parks for our users,' said Gillingham.
The mayor said he hopes the permit issue is settled soon, so work to maintain sports fields isn't delayed.
In a brief emailed statement, a provincial spokeswoman confirmed the permit is still being assessed.
'The Province of Manitoba required further information from the City of Winnipeg in order to process the application. That documentation has now been received. The application is still under review,' the statement said.
Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences.
A March public service report notes the city used poison to control ground squirrels in the past before switching to sulfur gas and then carbon monoxide. All treatment was paused in 2024, due to concerns that carbon monoxide machines were not safe for employees.
Ground squirrels have since caused extensive damage to fields, creating a safety hazard, the report states.
The public service is exploring other control methods for the future, such as carbon dioxide, it notes.
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
X: @joyanne_pursaga
Joyanne PursagaReporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
5 days ago
- Global News
Toronto man who deliberately shot an unarmed stranger given life sentence
A Toronto man who shot and killed an unarmed stranger has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 18 years. Superior Court Justice Maureen Forestell called the murder of John Wheeler 'profoundly serious' give it was the result of the fact that 18-year-old Christopher Mitchell wanted to avoid potentially being apprehended by police for a break-and-enter. Last October, Mitchell pleaded guilty to second-degree murder admitting that on Aug. 12, 2020, he shot and killed Wheeler with a shotgun outside the apartment building at 1350 Danforth Rd. where Wheeler lived. Mitchell and another person attended the apartment complex with the intention of breaking into a convenience store. They were in an alcove near the store when Wheeler emerged from the lobby of the apartment building to make his way to work. Wheeler glanced in the direction of the alcove and looked at his phone before moving to the driveway to wait for his ride to work. Mr. Mitchell believed that Mr. Wheeler was contacting the police. Mr. Mitchell removed a shotgun from the duffel bag he was carrying. He crept up behind Mr. Wheeler and shot him in the back. Story continues below advertisement Wheeler, a 45-year-old man who delivered drywall for a living, had texted his friend to tell him he was outside and ready to be picked up. In victim impact statements delivered in court Monday, Wheeler, who was 45 and the youngest of 12 children, was described as a kind, funny, hardworking and generous man. Reading from her reasons for sentence, Forestell said, 'The loss of a loved one is always difficult but when that loss is the result of senseless violence it is even more painful. In addition to the impact on the family and friends of Mr. Wheeler, crimes like this one impact the entire community. A good, hardworking man waiting to go to work was shot and killed in a targeted manner. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'This type of offence undermines our collective sense of safety and security in our community.' A psychological report prepared by Dr. Giorgio Ilacqua found that Mitchell, the eldest of four siblings, suffered significant physical abuse as a child. As a result, he was placed in group home and foster care by age 15 because of the physical abuse. Court heard that Mitchell was raised by his mother because his father was in the criminal justice system and has had no contact with his father for the last five years. He also also been diagnosed with mental illnesses and a substance abuse disorder. Story continues below advertisement 'At around 12 years of age, Mr. Mitchell began to hear voices. He was assessed at one point at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. However, he did not receive any treatment or medication for these conditions until after his arrest on the charge before me. He is presently taking antipsychotic medication and antidepressants,' Forestell said. Court heard Mitchell has also abused substances since age 11. Mr. Mitchell admitted Ilacqua that he became involved in criminal activity in his teens and that this included selling drugs. Mr. Mitchell left school after Grade 10. While attending school he was frequently suspended, including for fighting, stabbing and guns. Since his incarceration, Mr. Mitchell has completed high school and has begun college-level courses. While in custody, Mr. Mitchell has also pursued Bible study. Ilacqua administered a series of psychological tests. He diagnosed Mitchell with post-traumatic stress Disorder with psychotic features, depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. He relates these conditions to Mr. Mitchell's dysfunctional childhood and the abuse that he experienced. The risk assessment conducted by Ilacqua places Mr. Mitchell at high risk for future involvement in the justice system but Ilacqua opines that appropriate monitoring, structure and intervention could likely decrease the risk. During an interview with Global News outside the courthouse, Wheeler's niece said the family was anxious for the sentencing to be finished after nearly five years. Arlene Stuckless said she was angry for years and has been through an emotional rollercoaster. Story continues below advertisement 'There are a lot of people who could be watching this right now, going, 'Oh, this poor family, it's not going to happen to us' but you don't know honestly,' said Stuckless. Stuckless said she is hopeful that Mitchell can be rehabilitated and wants to see more social services for young men like Mitchell who come from broken homes. 'They're only outlet is to be running on the streets and then they get hooked up with the wrong people, they get their hands on that gun and they think they're big tough guys and they're not,' said Stuckless. Wheeler's niece said the family believes a life sentence with a parole ineligibility period of 18 years is a sentence that should give Mitchell time to work on himself. 'For him to be incarcerated that long — hopefully, he doesn't get involved with the wrong people and go to the wrong path and he takes the time he's given and he does something good with his life and then when he does getting out of jail, he can help other young, maybe,' Stuckless added.
CBC
26-05-2025
- CBC
Private prosecution trial of Manitoba live-horse exporter adjourned
Social Sharing A two-day trial for a Manitoba farm that exports live horses was adjourned Monday on the day after the defence successfully argued a late disclosure of documents could negatively affect their ability to properly cross-examine an expert witness and defend their client. It's believed to be the first case of the rarely-used private prosecution connected to farmed animals. A private citizen applied for a charge to be laid against Carolyle Farms, a live-horse exporter in Swan River, Man., and a judge granted the request last year. The case involves an air shipment of live horses from Winnipeg to Japan in December 2022. The plane was scheduled to stop for a crew change and refuelling in Anchorage, Alaska, but it had to find an alternate route due to a blizzard. Combined with delays in Winnipeg, it's alleged the shipment exceeded the 28-hour maximum time live horses can be transported without food, water and rest. In February 2024, a provincial court judge allowed one charge to be laid against Carolyle Farms. The charge was brought forward by Camille Labchuk, the executive director of the non-profit Animal Justice, and falls under a section of Canada's Health of Animals Regulations, which requires a contingency plan in cases where unforeseen circumstances or delays could lead to an animal's death, injury or suffering. On Monday, provincial court Judge Stacy Cawley granted Labchuk's lawyer Dan Stein's request to amend the wording of the charge from "failed to implement a contingency plan" to "failed to have a contingency plan." In asking for an adjournment on the day the trial was set to start, defence lawyer Lindsay Mulholland raised concerns about the late disclosure of some documents last week and Sunday evening. In particular, the discussion centred around the prosecution's notes that include details about the advocacy of their animal welfare expert witness, Renee Bergeron, such as petitions she has signed in favour of changing legislation surrounding the export of live horses. Mulholland argued she needed more time with the information to prepare for her cross-examination of the witness. Judge Cawley granted the adjournment, saying it came down to fairness. "I appreciate from the private prosecutor's perspective, some of the information may be easy to digest with a view to moving the matter forward," Cawley said. "However, it is a dangerous practice for the court to assume that they know and understand any strategy decisions and considerations that defence wishes to make." "The recent information concerning the proposed expert and the degree of her advocacy raises, it's obviously potentially relevant to independence and impartiality concerns that govern expert opinion evidence." The decision to adjourn the trial was disappointing to Labchuk. "We were very concerned that the CFIA [Canadian Food Inspection Agency] did not enforce laws designed to protect horses during transport," Labchuk said outside the law courts in Winnipeg. A group of animal welfare organizations — including Animal Justice, the Winnipeg Humane Society, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition and Manitoba Animal Save — had initially filed a complaint with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency about the alleged incident, but it ended without penalty, which is what prompted the group to pursue private prosecution. New dates for the trial will be set in early June.
Winnipeg Free Press
26-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Judge adjourns landmark private prosecution animal-rights case until later date
What was supposed to be the start of landmark court proceedings in Winnipeg — believed to be the first time a private prosecution involving farm animals has reached trial in Canada — was quickly adjourned Monday to a later date. Animal-rights organization Animal Justice took the rare step of obtaining judicial approval to privately prosecute Swan River-area horse exporter Carolyle Farms over a Dec. 12, 2022 shipment by air of horses which it alleges violated the law. The animal-rights organization alleges the shipment of horses to Japan, where horse meat is sold raw as a culinary delicacy, unlawfully exceeded the 28-hour time limit under federal legislation that live horses are allowed to be in transport without food and water. The farm owners' defence lawyer, Lindsay Mulholland, successfully argued for an adjournment over late disclosure in front of provincial court Judge Stacy Cawley, after private prosecutor Dan Stein disclosed evidence to her last week and Sunday evening. Mulholland argued she needed more time to review the evidence in order to fully answer to the charge on behalf of her client. Among the evidence she said she received late was the extent one of the private prosecution's proposed expert witnesses had advocated against the horse-shipment industry, including by signing a petition seeking legislative change. Stein opposed the motion, arguing the defence had most of the evidence that was to be called, with only minor information sent late, while questions of the qualifications of expert witnesses had been raised at pre-trial. 'In my view, fairness dictates that I must grant the adjournment request in order to make full answer in defence,' said Cawley. Animal Justice alleges the farm failed to have a contingency plan in place to respond to unforeseen delays that could result in the suffering of an animal. Farm owner Lyle Lumax previously argued the shipment followed best practices, with input on the ground from Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials, Japanese officials and the plane company. Private prosecutions, which are rarely heard in the Canadian justice system, involve an individual — rather than authorities such as police or the Crown — with evidence of reasonable and probable grounds asking the court to authorize a charge against a person they believe committed a crime. The charge was approved to proceed to trial by a provincial court judge last year. Further trial dates are to be set early next month. Erik PinderaReporter Erik Pindera is a reporter for the Free Press, mostly focusing on crime and justice. The born-and-bred Winnipegger attended Red River College Polytechnic, wrote for the community newspaper in Kenora, Ont. and reported on television and radio in Winnipeg before joining the Free Press in 2020. Read more about Erik. Every piece of reporting Erik produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
