A group of Whistlerites are planning a "Dog Walk for Change" on the one-year anniversary of the opening day of the 2010 Winter Olympics in an effort to turn some of the "anger, frustration and sadness into something positive," according to the organizer.

Local resident Tim Koshul said he and a group of friends have been talking about how to show the world that Whistler is a compassionate, dog-friendly community. He and others are also looking for a way to affect positive change and ensure that the reported mass killing of up to 100 sled dogs never happens again.

Residents, visitors, dog owners and animal lovers are invited to "put their compassion into action" on Feb. 12 at noon starting in Village Square.

"Anyone that was moved by this I'd love to see them out there," Koshul told The Question on Friday (Feb. 4). "I'd like to make it an annual event — so we don't forget."

Koshul said he'd like to see more oversight and regulations for the dogsledding industry, and animal cruelty laws updated.

"Let's do something, turn this tragic event into something positive so these dogs… it won't be in vain. Let's get things to change."

Koshul is also looking to raise money through the event for Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), the community's animal shelter, and other animal rescue organizations.

As for the choice of date, he said he's not trying to take away from the one-year Olympic anniversary celebrations planned in Whistler, but with many people and members of the media expected to be in town that day it's a good chance to spread the positive message.

Other demonstrations are planned in Whistler and beyond, according to public events that have been created on Facebook.

Today (Friday, Feb. 4), a group of people from Vancouver plan to walk from noon to 2 p.m. starting at the Outdoor Adventures booking office in Whistler Village.

Another event, dubbed as a "peaceful protest" is planned Saturday (Feb. 5) from noon to 2 p.m. starting at the base of Whistler Mountain in the Village.

Meanwhile, recent media reports indicate the SPCA had concerns dating back to 2006 about the dogsledding company associated with the mass killing in April 2010. According to the Vancouver Sun, the SPCA issued 65 orders against Howling Dog Tours Whistler related to the health of the dogs.
The company made all the required changes at the time.

The SPCA is now attempting to obtain further documents from Worksafe B.C. with information about the reported 2010 slaughter. Representatives of the two organizations are in court today to determine what documents can be handed over to the SPCA in consideration of confidentiality laws.