Update: Quebec Passes Anti-SLAPP Law

A last update to Louise's story that I have been following and writing about for Rush PR News. Yesterday Quebec was the first province to pass anti-SLAPP legislation. This new law not only gives judges the power to throw a case out that they deem abusive, or a SLAPP suit, but also gives defendants the right to recuperate costs incurred by their legal battle.

For some, this could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Most importantly, the legislation applies to all cases currently in front of the court. This is fantastic news for Louise Auger and all others speaking out against injustices in our world.

For more on this story, please read my story "Anti-SLAPP Legislation Passed in Quebec".

Quebec Animals Rights SLAPP Suit Update

Last week, I posted an article I wrote on the SLAPP lawsuits. In this article, I mentioned the particular case of Louise Auger, a Quebec animal-rights activist.

Louise has been fighting for animals locally for over 30 years. Despite having retired last year, she continues to fight for and rescue animals at every chance. This fight has resulted in her being dragged into an ongoing court case with the Quebec municipal pound Inspecteur Canin.

RPRN recently published an update on the Louise Auger case.

Inspecteur Canin is a cruel and inhumane company, posturing as a caring safehaven. Unfortunately, they also have deeper pockets that Louise Auger, and so can afford to keep this case drag on.

On July 21st, arguments will be heard on her permanent injunction. In the meantime, I encourage everyone, if you haven't already done so, to please sign the petition and pass the word around.

If you would like to donate to her defense fund, please send all donations to:

Louise Auger
C.P 184
Saint-Hippolyte, Qc
J8A 3P5

The Power of SLAPP To Shut Quebecers Up

Last week, I wrote a story for Rush PR News that everyone, in and outside of Canada, needs to read: The Power of SLAPP To Shut Quebecers Up.

According to sources, former employees of the Quebec municipal pound Inspecteur Canin detailed the inhumane euthanization procedure--which entails gruesomly gassing dogs while still conscious, and storing them in refrigerator containers afterwards. On several occasions, dogs survived the whole procedure only to be incinerated.

These are "lost" dogs that have been picked up, and who weren't able to be resold.

If you don't know about the practice of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, which are still perfectly legal in every province in Canada, I urge you to read on.

Please support those being dragged through the court system unjustly and demand that your Provincial or State governments to pass anti-SLAPP legislation.

Earth Hour Reflections

Recently, a touching story landed in my inbox: the story of Jasmine, a neglected and abused Greyhound that was brought to the Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in the UK, after she was discovered by local police. Jasmine was meant to be rehabilitated and put up for adoption. But it seems that Jasmine had plans of her own, soon welcoming all new inhabitants to the sanctuary—from fox pups, to badgers, to the bunnies, and even letting the birds to perch atop her. Soon, Jasmine became the resident mother, cuddling frightened and injured animals, comforting and welcoming them to their new surroundings.


The story of Jamine serves to show us, once again, that the true lessons of life are those taught by the great Mother—of love, selflessness, generosity, and harmony. And, in my post-Earth Hour reflection, I question how anyone could be so blind as to not see it and work to protect it in any way possible.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get out of the house and partake in my local Earth Hour festivities, but am curious how others filled their 60 minutes of darkness. Would love to hear your stories…please share!

PS--apologies for being radio-silent the last week. Call it Spring Break for the mind. But the good kind, without co-eds and hangovers. I'm back ever-refreshed and renewed.

Oprah, is there anything she can't do?

On today's Pre-Oscar show, Oprah tacked on a short segment of these adorable yorkie puppies, who are desperately in need of homes. Along with 90 others, these sweet youngsters were rescued from a puppy mill by the Humane Society of Missouri, who described the conditions of the mill as some of the most horrific they had ever seen. This should say a lot. Living in urine and feces soaked 2x2 cages, some of the rescued pups were found with fur so matted that it had actually bound their limbs. For some particularly unlucky souls, the matte cut blood flow to the bones, permanently disabling them. This honestly pushes the limits of my comprehension.

If you are able to adopt a puppy, or care about animal welfare, I strongly encourage you to visit Oprah's website to learn more.

Thank you, Oprah, for once again brining much needed attention to animals, and for using your public forum so responsibly.