HALIFAX, N.S. — It was a bit of a surprise to see Hope Swinimer in court facing a charge related to the work she does helping animals in distress. As it turns out, it was dismissed after the Crown offered no evidence. For more details on the circumstances and her determination to honour that life’s work, Hope Swinimer took some time out of her day to speak about it.
In our province, we do have some shortcomings and some animals in Nova Scotia that are indigenous, we're not allowed to rehab. In some we are and some come with special conditions. So, if we get them in, we have to be very careful to follow all the rules and regulations and keep track of all that. It is part of our job to do that. And sometimes we're very, very good at it. But in situations every once in a while get thrown at us that are that gray line.
However, I didn't feel like I've done anything wrong. I knew I had contacted DNR at 1:55 about the coyote. I wasn't trying to hide it. I shared all the data I had with them. I didn't do it quick enough, apparently. So, it was all a very big surprise. But I did answer all the questions as honestly as I could have. And that's when I found out I would be charged. And so, it's been a lot of work out a lot of worry. And but you know, I'm glad that it's over with now.
So, we know the animal didn't die in pain or suffering. He was given drugs to make him feel better. And then as soon as the doctor was able to get all the emergencies handled, she'd go back and physically do what she needed to do. But so I would I do the same thing.