NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The man convicted of slaughtering 56 sled dogs in Whistler two years ago is set to be sentenced in a North Vancouver court today.

Robert Fawcett pleaded guilty in August to causing unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals; the maximum penalty is five years in prison and up to $75,000 in fines.

“We’re looking forward to closure in this case and sentencing is one part of that,” says Marcie Moriarty, Chief Prevention and Enforcement Officer for the BC SPCA.

“Of course, we have to remember the sentencing is about one person and this case, was really about preventing animal cruelty for hundreds of working dogs in this province. Obviously, we want to see a very strong message in the sentencing but that is up to the judge,” she adds.

The SPCA presented a strong case that led to the conviction of Fawcett and changes to laws and regulations to prevent more animals from suffering in the future.

“The changes have just been staggering,” says Moriarty. “I don’t think anybody could have predicted that when this horrific case surfaced. What has resulted is changes to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Now, our province can be very proud of the laws we have. Of course, those are on paper and we have to see the proof is in the pudding when it actually comes down to the cases before the courts.”

“Also, there’s now more awareness around the sled dog industry and working animals in general. Very importantly, we’ve seen firsts in standards and regulation around the sled dog industry. That is a huge accomplishment that addresses the welfare of these dogs day in and day out,” she notes.

Moriarty says the changes include new rules about how working dogs are kept, including limits to time spent tethered, specific space requirements and new regulations for veterinary care and record-keeping.

The definition of “distress” has also been updated in the Act along with penalties for violating the legislation.