NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In 2017, an animal rights group began protesting the use of horse-drawn carriages in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The protests have been centralized to the downtown area of Niagara-on-the-Lake. In the three years, counter protesters supporting the horse-drawn carriage businesses have also become involved in protests. The opposing groups ultimately both expressing their rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to lawfully peaceful assembly and protest.
The duty of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) in this matter is to remain neutral and maintain public peace and safety. We are continually monitoring the situation.
To date these efforts have led to no violence or charges of any kind. There have been many reports, police calls for service, meetings, along with investigations resulting in cautions and also officer discretion for both sides. We have reviewed the applicable case laws as they apply to peaceful assembly and sought legal counsel from the office of the local Crown Attorney.
The NRPS has taken part in the negotiation of two good faith protest guidelines to date, one in 2018 and another in 2019.
While not legally binding, the guidelines brought all sides together to establish a frame work for peaceful protest and behavior. The 2019 protocol ultimately went unsigned by some of the parties involved.
Inspector James McCaffery (2 District Commander) states:
"Our officers will continue to do their duty as it relates to all parties involved in the ongoing dispute over animal rights and the carriage businesses in Niagara-on-the-Lake. We will maintain our neutrality and continue to manage the situation using discretion, education and where required enforcement. We will continue to avail ourselves to both sides for discussion, as the maintaining of the public peace and safety for all those involved and the community remains paramount to our officers."
We do not wish to see this matter escalate or continue. It is for this reason we are taking the unprecedented step to publicly request all sides to enter into meaningful discussions and negotiations that speak to the core issues of the dispute and find some resolution. A resolution, that will be agreeable for both sides, the community of Niagara on the Lake, and its many visitors.
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