A deliberate hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a Metro Toronto police horse on Feb. 24 has galvanized Canadians to amend the Criminal Code to better protect law enforcement service animals.

After attending Brigadier’s March 6 memorial service, Toronto Councillor Gloria Lindsay-Luby, an animal lover and former chair of the Toronto Police Services Board, wrote a letter that read in part, “I am asking the Government of Canada to update and strengthen the Criminal Code to include the protection of law enforcement service animals against intentional harm. These animals should be recognized for the dangers and risks they face to serve and protect the public. The legislation is very dated and needs to change. If we can do this, then perhaps Brigadier’s death will not have been in vain.”

She sent the letter to Minister of Justice and Attorney General Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Stockwell Day, Attorney General of Ontario Michael Bryant, and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter.

Citizens of Canada and horse people worldwide can support the proposed “Brigadier’s Law” by signing a petition at www.brigadierslaw.ca. Lindsay-Luby will present the petition to the Toronto City Council and the Ontario provincial and federal governments in the near future