If you are new to the tragic events of May 4, 2026 that resulted in the unnecessary and barbaric death of a beloved family pet, Heiniu – start here.
May 14, 2026. It’s nowday 10 and so far all the taxpayers of Aurora have are ONE brief written statement from Mayor Mrakas — and he read one — just as brief statement — on the night of May 12th. Are you happy with that?
Thank you to Yoyo Yan from New Market Today for providing a transcript of the VERY brief statement Mayor Tom Mrakas read – at a Town Council meeting on May 12th.
“Council, before we begin this evening, I do want to acknowledge the tragic incident that occurred last week,” Mrakas said. “The concern being expressed by members of the public following the death of Heiniu, a Rottweiler in East Gwillimbury. Our thoughts are with the dog owners, the witnesses, responders, and everyone affected by this difficult incident.”
That was it from YOUR Mayor. It took mere seconds to read and told us nothing.
Miss Patricia De Sario who is the town’s Director of Corporate Services also read a VERY brief prepared statement.
“The town is reviewing the matter and co-operating with the dog owners, appropriate authorities, and oversight bodies, including the province’s animal welfare services branch [and] the safety division,”
We found more than a few parts of that statement “interesting.”
Why?
We are in constant daily contact with Heiniu’s family and they have had ONE very short letter from the town. (You guessed it – it is very similar to the statement Miss De Sario made. Nothing more.)
So how is it that the town is “co-operating with the dog owners”?
“Appropriate authorities.” Who specifically?
“Oversight bodies.” Okay, they list — Provincial Animal Welfare Services.
Did you see our eyes rolling when it comes to Animal Welfare Services (AWS)?
We will not be holding our breath waiting for information on that front — unless turning blue is suddenly fashionable.
We have had more than a few experiences with AWS, for example…
If you are following the Stephanie Redlick neglected horses case, you will understand exactly why we are NOT reassured by references to Animal Welfare Services (AWS) “oversight.”
AWS are hardly known for moving with any sense of urgency. Redlick’s horses were seized in February 2025 and, here we are more than a year later, with the court case still in the preliminary stages.
Next, according to tribunal findings, Stephanie Redlick was already non-compliant with orders as of December 30th, 2024 — orders requiring improvements in the care and condition of the horses.
Yet by the first week of February 2025, two horses were so severely compromised they ultimately had to be humanely euthanized despite extensive efforts by veterinarians specializing in equine care. Is that a government agency you have any faith in?
And we’re not done yet… despite the shocking condition of the horses and circumstances that, in our opinion, more than met the threshold for Criminal Code charges, no criminal charges were laid. [We are still pushing for criminal charges here and you can help.]
So yes, when town officials casually reference “oversight bodies,” forgive us if that does NOT immediately fill us with confidence.
Oh, and not only are we in DAILY contact with Heiniu’s family who have had exactly ONE letter from the town — we have been in just as regular contact with the traumatized witnesses to this horrific event — NONE of whom have reported being contacted by ANY authorities, including the town or AWS. And again here were are day 10.
Miss De Sario’s prepared statement continued…
“Given the above and the potential for litigation, mayor and members of council and staff are advised not to comment further.
The town will provide additional information when appropriate and able to do so.”
Given the above? Really? Do think there is anything tangible in the above?
Here is what we think is the bottom line — LITIGATION, they are worried about litigation — instead of communicating with Heiniu’s family (and other taxpayers) they have circled the wagons – and “mayor and members of council and staff are advised NOT to comment further.”
So, after 10 days, the public received roughly 90 seconds of carefully scripted non-information, vague references to “oversight,” confirmation that they are worried about litigation, and instructions that your elected officials and town employees are NOT to answer the tax payers’ questions.
Well. That certainly cleared everything up.
P.S. Heiniu’s family have paid the bill for the initial vet report and transportation of his body for necropsy. Of course the town couldn’t step in and take care of that as part of their investigation because… Would that be admitting some kind of guilt?
Please take 2 minutes to fill out a form that sends a ‘done-for-you’ email to elected officials & government employees who can bring about changes so Heiniu’s death was NOT in vain.
CURRENT DONE-FOR-YOU EMAIL CAMPAIGNS CLICK HERE