PEACEFUL PROTEST
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO TURNED OUT IN SUPPORT OF HEINIU.
The horrifying death of a young Rottweiler on Monday, May 4 has galvanized the Town of Aurora.
The video and photos showing Heiniu’s struggle to survive the choking pressure of two wire catch poles has struck a cord of disgust in the town and throughout the province.
A family is devastated for the loss of their beloved family pet.
The overwhelming calls for immediate dismissal of the Animal Control officer who lead the 2 person team is deafening.
Humane Initiative has been contacted by 2 Animal Control officers – one having over 20 years experience. She described what she witnessed as:
- ”total misuse of a snare pole”
- ”extremely excessive”
- Clearly ”lacking proper training”
- ”this is animal abuse”
Leah Long, who has 20 years of experience as an Animal Control officer was at today’s peaceful protest — on the video below Leah speaks out about the death of Heiniu.
THERE ARE NO GRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE VIDEO BELOW.
While the incident took place in East Gwillimbury, the responding agency was Aurora Animal Services. Aurora’s municipal animal control officers serve not only the Town of Aurora, but also East Gwillimbury and Georgina in York Region.
We have also been contacted from 2 other individuals who have filed previous complaints against the lead Animal Control Officer.
Based on public facing disclosure listings of provincial public sector salaries, this individual made $113,000 in 2025.
This autumn, eligible citizens of the town of Aurora will go to the polls in a municipal election…
Mayor Tom Mrakas is vying for your vote – your vote of confidence – does he have it?
Six Councillors, 2 school board trustees are on the ballot as well.
LIST OF 2026 CANDIDATES
Citizens of Aurora are watching, waiting to see what action will be taken by elected officials.
Will the leadership of Aurora circle the wagons to protect the town’s reputation and legal vulnerably or will they ask for an independent investigation from outside of York Region to look at their hiring practices and training protocols?
Click here to help us demand that the Mayor start an investigation conducted by those outside of the region.
The seeds have already been planted that Officer MacGillivray was bitten – somehow trying to justify the almost 2 hour ordeal the officer put Heiniu through.
Witnesses report: The “bite” was literally a superficial puncture wound from a terrified animal telling Officer MacGillvray to stop hurting him.
If Heiniu, an adult, male Rottweiler wanted to inflict injury he very easily could have – he chose not to, instead he chose to send a warning to her to stop hurting him.
Witnesses also reported that Officer MacGillvray was asked by an attending York Region Police officer if she needed to to to the hospital and MacGillvray is reported to have said “No”.
Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) officially opened an investigation today into the death of Heiniu.
York Region Police have already been very clear while on scene watching the horror show and afterwards from witnesses wanting to file an incident of animal cruelty (as per Canadian Criminal Code Statute 445.1)… there is nothing they can do.
There is nothing York Region Police can do?
York Region Police may not be aware that the Criminal Code of Canada is VERY clear.
Deaths of animals DO fall under their jurisdiction.
Our done-for-you email that you can find here goes to the York Region Police — along with others who can bring about “action” in this case.
YOU CAN SPEAK UP FOR HEINIU
PLEASE take less than 2 minutes and click here to send a done-for-you email to the elected officials (and others) who can bring about changes – YOU can help demand justice for Heiniu.
PEACEFUL PROTEST
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO TURNED OUT.
AURORA TODAY ARTICLE
Thank you to Aurora Today for their coverage of Heiniu’s tragic death.
Read the article…
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From the Blog
6 thoughts on “ARE AURORA ELECTED OFFICIALS REPRESENTING YOUR VALUES?”
This is an obvious case of animal abuse and someone should have to explain why these officers did not have better training. There is no excuse for this type of treatment.
Very well written statement. Our hearts are broken. We too in EG need to fight for justice.
As someone who has worked with dogs for over 20 yrs and has been bitten myself, I am utterly heartbroken with what this dog endured in his final moments. What I see here is people who lack the training, education and experience needed to do that job. Even with the instructions of “cutting off oxygen” for a dog that is attacking , its for a dog that is clearly attacking or not letting go. And no, instructions are not to choke dog fo death. And in this case, this was a dog woth anxiety and fear. Anxiety already comes with shortness of breath and the brain thinking its in danger. Choking a dog to death is not how you handle that sitiation. And as far as I saw? The one officer has had this job for some years. There is zero excuse for her lack of knowledge and experience. However , she is supposed to be “wildlife only” so she never should have been there anyways. A non aggressive dog died by her hands. She should be ashamed of herself and she should be charged with cruelty.
Im so sorry that I cant believe there for this Beautiful Guy and Justice i had all intentions of being there with my sign up in the air but i woke up this morning and I am not Well This makes my heart hurt because I cant be there for you all and Be a voice for Heinius!!! But im laying in my bed with you all in Spirit. Ive called, emailed and did everything possible to help. Sorry for my absence but I’m here im here in Spirit
May the animal officers be fired and fined
This animal control officer needs to be fired and criminally charged.