Cause 4 Paws In Violation of Civil Rights

I was in the process of applying for a dog through the Toronto rescue Cause 4 Paws. In the first stage of the application, I was instructed to call the director, Helen. During the discussion I mentioned that I often visit my mother who is Indigenous and lives on a native reserve with her dog and she abruptly blurted out “Oh that’s no place for this dog.“

My mouth literally dropped.

I then explained to her that my mom only lets her dog out with supervision and all safety measures are adhered to. And that her dog was living a very fulfilled life with 1.5 acres to play and that our family in no way shape or form treats our animals the way some of the other residence on the reserve do.

I also pointed out that I was fully aware of the ongoing mistreatment of many dogs on reserves and that although I didn’t excuse that behaviour that this is actually the outcome of systemic racism, lack of education and neglect of native communities by our Canadian government.

She didn’t have a response to that.

I also reminded her that I lived in Toronto and only visited my mom occasionally.

Needless to say, I didn’t follow through completely with my application. Having someone with such pre conceived notions of me based on my race and origins was not only insulting, but a blatant violation of human rights. It was a disappoint especially because my meet and greet with the foster parents went wonderfully and the dog was very sweet. I am sure they are living in with a loving family.

I was told I could have filed a lawsuit, but I refrained from doing so. I have a civil right to be considered fairly in an adoption application and not to be dismissed based on race or place of origin.

I really wish people would take the time to help our indigenous communities instead of judging them.

There is an ongoing trend of dogs actually being stolen from reserves ( not by cause 4 paws, but by other rescues and just people). This isn’t the answer. If you really care about animal welfare, write to a chief, write to your representatives. Demand more education and support to the native peoples of this land so that they can have the tools, support and above all, emotional well-being to properly care for a pet.

Pretty hard to be emotionally well when you don’t even have clean drinking water.

Experiencing prejudice from a Toronto Dog Rescue is minuscule in comparison to the other countless struggles of my indigenous brothers and sisters. I do realize that. I can only hope that the general population chooses to educate themselves instead of remaining ignorant.

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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/jojf92/cause_4_paws_in_violation_of_civil_rights/