Rage over killing stray Sochi dogs

The Olympics have officially began in Sochi, Russia. The opening ceremonies were a sight to see, with spectacular videos, light shows and athletes paraded into the stadium, smiling from ear to ear and many of them taking pictures on their cellphones. It’s exactly what Russian President Vladimir Putin wants you to see.

But here is what you won’t see: thousands of stray dogs, who once called Sochi home. In an effort to keep stray dogs out of Olympic venues, the country hired outside contractors to trap and kill the animals.

Reports say dogs were shot with poisoned darts that cause them to suffocate, then the dogs are tossed into waiting trucks. In a last-ditch effort to save these animals, a local businessman created a makeshift shelter giving refuge to dogs that were rescued.

Joining us in studio we have Brenda Dushko from the Oakville & Milton Humane Society and from Toronto, Josey Kitson, executive director of the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ Canadian branch.