We received appalling news from Canada of dog abuse and torture in which an innocent elderly dog was near death.
And while it makes us sad to have to report it, we think it’s important to tell Xaskaa’s story, especially given the ridiculous leniency the perpetrator is punishing.
Photo via Instagram @xaskaa_the_malinois
The abuser volunteers for a dog sit
To celebrate Christmas last year, Milagros and Jayson Henkel wanted to travel from Vancouver Island, British Columbia to their family in Peru. One of her neighbors, Kiefer Tyson Giroux, said he would look after her 11-year-old Belgian Malinois Xaskaa.
Believing that Giroux was someone they could trust, the Henkels traveled to South America. The couple were unaware of what their sitter was capable of.
They had just sat down to Christmas dinner with their Peruvian family members when they received a call that Xaskaa was fighting for his life at a veterinary clinic back home in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Photo via Instagram @xaskaa_the_malinois
A shocking phone call
“The turkey was literally straight out of the oven when the phone rang and our whole world was changing,” Jayson told the Toronto Star. “We both howled our eyes out. My wife’s parents are not native English speakers, so my wife tearfully tried to explain what was happening. “
The call was to inform her that her “baby” Xaskaa had been admitted to a local veterinary clinic with life-threatening injuries. And it seemed that the dog sitter was the cause.
Photo via Instagram @xaskaa_the_malinois
A few nights before he was rushed to the hospital, a neighbor believed he heard Xaskaa cry in pain. Surveillance camera footage (including video from the Henkel’s cameras) showed he was right.
The neighbor went to ask Giroux what was wrong and Giroux denied any problems. The still worried neighbor then contacted the Henkels, who initially did not believe that the sitter would harm their dog.
When Giroux finally took the dog to his parents on Christmas Eve, they realized something incredibly was wrong and forced him to take Xaskaa to the vet.
Photo via Instagram @xaskaa_the_malinois
Unimaginable actions
The vet treating Xaskaa testified that if the dog had been to the hospital just 20 to 40 minutes later, he would have died. The cute senior had traumatic damage to his internal organs as well as massive bruises. There was also evidence that Giroux had sexually abused Xaskaa.
As reported by the Toronto Star, a settlement agreed between the prosecution and the Giroux defense found that Giroux admitted to having “tortured” the dog.
Photo via Instagram @ xaskaa_the_malinois /
The exam
Despite his shocking violent crime, Giroux was released on bail during the trial. His defense used in part a mental diagnosis of ADHD along with a marijuana addiction to reduce his sentence to just six months in prison. A mere slap on the wrist.
Giroux was initially charged with three different crimes, including “bestiality” and “killing or injuring an animal” in addition to causing “unnecessary pain / suffering” to an animal. If convicted in all three cases, he could have been behind bars for up to five years.
Photo via Instagram @xaskaa_the_malinois
The perpetrator receives little punishment
But British Columbia prosecutors dropped the first two charges – probably because they were more confident that prosecution of a charge would remain more likely.
“Forbearance here is a mockery of justice. It’s not like he just kicked our dog. It was torture … those few months [in prison] become nothing. Psychiatrists won’t be able to properly treat him during this time. We think the maximum five-year sentence would allow psychiatrists to work and treat this person, ”said Milagros Henkley.
Kiefer Giroux, despite his terrible behavior, got away with a six-month jail sentence and a 25-year ban on “owning, custody or control, or staying in the same rooms as an animal or bird”
Photo via Instagram @xaskaa_the_malinois
Fortunately, although Xaskaa had to learn how to walk in part, he is now happy, healthy and safe at home with his loving family.
It is sad to see news of animal abuse and torture not being taken seriously. It’s a heartbreaking problem worldwide, including Greece, up north in Detroit, and down in Alabama.
Innocent animals, especially seniors like Xaskaa, rely on our safety. Make sure you do your research before trusting someone with your pup’s care.
Featured Image: Instagram @xaskaa_the_malinois
H: T: Toronto Star
