In recent weeks, this community has seemingly been divided by the issue of kennels and animal shelters.
Neighboring residents of some of these establishments have come out with complaints of noise and animals getting loose, and they have done so in forums like Athabasca County Council.
Owners and operators of the facilities in question, like Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) and Sammy’s Pet Boarding, have defended themselves against such complaints. They dispute some of the claims, and in response to others they note that for years they have worked to keep up with the standards the community expects of them.
The argument is clearly a passionate one for both sides, and though it has been mostly verbal (whether at council, in the community or in letters printed on these pages) it became physical on May 26 when an unidentified man reportedly attacked a SCARS volunteer who was walking a dog near the organization’s rural Athabasca facility.
Granted, the attacker’s motive is open to speculation, but given the timing of the incident, it’s hard to believe there was any other reason for it.
It should be noted that condemning this man’s actions does not amount to painting one side of the argument with the same brush. Surely none of the letter writers who have complained about kennels and shelters approve of this man’s actions, whether he shares their viewpoint or not.
The attack does provide a haunting example of how far someone can go when trying to ‘prove their point’.
Physical violence is never justified, and a difference of opinion does not serve as an exception to that rule.
Responsible and respectful adults handle their disagreements with understanding and patience, not rage and violence.
It’s unfortunate that such an event happened in our community. It would be equally unfortunate if the divide created by this issue spawns any more such events.
Here’s hoping both sides of this argument can share their opinions and needs in a civil exchange that can ultimately lead to an acceptable outcome for both of them.
At the very least, they should remember that this is everybody’s community, and it takes compromise and understanding to make it a place worth living in.
