Reminder – Peaceful protest Saturday, May 9 from 10am to noon in front of the Aurora Municipal building at 100 John West Way.
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 man 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”
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.
Six Councillors, 2 school board trustees are on the ballot as well.
List of 2026 Candidates
People are watching to see what they will do.
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?
The seeds have already been planted that Officer MacGillivray was bitten – somehow trying to justify the almost 2 hour ordeal she put Heiniu through.
The “bite” was literally a superficial puncture wound from a terrified animal telling her 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.
Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) officially opened an investigation today into what happened.
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.
That is not true. The criminal code is very clear:
We are now Heiniu’s voice!
Please share this post and if able join us at our peaceful protect – Sat. May 9 from 10am – noon at 100 John West Way.