When Heiniu died on May 4, 2026, Humane Initiative stepped forward.
We began asking questions, pushing for answers and refusing to simply accept that what happened should be forgotten.
For example we were appalled that initially Animal Welfare Services (AWS) declared they could not be involved in an investigation? Yes, really.
We read and re-read the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and crafted a letter to ask why they thought that was the case – and low and behold Animal Welfare Services flip flopped and ‘opened in investigation’ – such as it is.
Because of our years of experience with similar issues we knew exactly who to contact and we also know that law enforcement agencies often don’t realize that the Criminal Code of Canada applies to situations exactly like the death of Heiniu. Sad, but true.
In our experience law enforcement usually automatically defer to Provincial Animal Welfare Services – with penalties that do NOT include being charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.
We have a long history of advocating for law enforcement to step up and do the right thing – to not pass off to an agency who doesn’t have the clout that police have.
And somewhere along the way, Marie Bennett at Ban Horse Slaughter stepped up and offered help.
Yes, Ban Horse Slaughter is focused on horses. But they have never believed that concern for animals should stop with horses. When they saw an animal-welfare case where their particular skills could be useful, they were willing to get involved.
And that is exactly what happened.
At Humane Initiative we have decades of advocating for animals but…
Ban Horse Slaughter brought years of experience in animal advocacy, along with a skill set of writing campaigns, effectively communicating and — perhaps most importantly — knowing how to turn public concern into action. They know there is no point getting people riled up if you do not give them something to do to make a difference. Without a ‘call to action’ elected, and other officials, are NOT going to do anything.
Together, we began building something. Blog posts. Graphics. Facebook posts. A website.
And perhaps most importantly…
FOUR different done-for-you email campaigns that made it incredibly easy for people to speak up – to make a difference. (A new campaign is now active.)
People didn’t have to figure out what to say.
They didn’t have to search for the right government officials.
They simply filled in a few blanks, hit send and added their voice to the growing demand for action on the part of the Town of Aurora, Provincial Animal Welfare Services and MOST importantly, the York Regional Police.
The response was incredible.
In the first three days alone, more than 2,000 people used the first campaign to send emails to nine elected officials and government representatives – with just the push of a button. (A 4th campaign is now live!)
And thousands more emails have followed.
That didn’t happen because of one organization.
It happened because people cared — and because organizations are willing to put their strengths together instead of working in separate corners. AND the public responded.
Humane Initiative didn’t do this alone.
Ban Horse Slaughter didn’t have to get involved.
But they did.
And that is worth recognizing.
Thank you, Ban Horse Slaughter, for standing with Humane Initiative and standing up for Heiniu.
Thank you for bringing your skills to the table. Thank you for making it easier for thousands of people to make their voices heard.
And thank you for showing what can happen when animal advocates stand together.
Heiniu deserves answers. And we’re going to keep asking for them.
From the Blog
