TORONTO - An animal cruelty investigator's actions are under review after he handcuffed the owner of a dying Rottweiler to his SUV and left him there while he rushed the dog to hospital.
The suspension of Tre Smith's active duties after the incident two weeks ago has prompted activists to hold a rally Wednesday in his support.
Smith says if animal cruelty investigators were given the authority to issue stiff fines to hit abusers "where it hurts,'' then his job would be a lot easier and safer.
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies says Canada has a "shameful'' record on anti-cruelty legislation.
Currently, the maximum sentence an animal abuser can get is six months in jail along with a $2,000 fine.
Provincial and federal politicians have recently attempted to introduce legislation to protect animal rights, but without success.
