A “heartening decision” is what the Calgary Humane Society is calling a recent prison sentence for a man convicted of maiming and killing rabbits.
Nicholas Weseen was found guilty on 10 counts of killing or injuring rabbits by causing several of the animals unnecessary pain, injury or suffering, and of failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter or care on Friday.
A trial last year heard disturbing details, including about one rabbit named Smokey that had its rear right foot amputated with pliers and was left to suffer for days while zip-tied in a milk crate.
The offences took place between late October 2022 and January 2023. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
“A heartening decision,” said Brad Nicols, the director of enforcement at the Calgary Humane Society.
“This was, you know, an overt, violent criminal act, torturing these poor pets. And so, the court really is starting to see these animals as sentient.”
In his decision, Court of King’s Bench Justice Mikael Burke called the 32-year-old’s actions vile and inconceivable.
Nichols, meanwhile, says it’s not only record-setting but sends a powerful message.
“The eight-year custodial sentence alone is an Alberta record,” he said.
“Eight years is a significant sentence — it’s a federal sentence and paired with a lifetime prohibition from owning animals, this is a signal to society that this is not going to be tolerated.”
After working with animals for 21 years, Nichols says it’s fair that violent crimes against animals are being adjudicated in a way that sees justice for the animal.
“You know, animal protection is a community responsibility. We can’t intervene on what we don’t know about,” he said.
“So that reporting becomes very important, whether that’s from someone inside the house, a veterinarian saying something in practice, or a neighbour saying something concerning going on in the neighbourhood.
The girlfriend of the offender at the time was concerned about the treatment of the rabbits and made the report.
Nichols also says those kinds of crimes are most concerning because they can graduate to other types of violent crime towards people.