NAME SHOOTER, LAWYER URGES

Faisal Joseph Questions The Reluctance Of Police To Identify The Officer
Who Shot Bear.

The lawyer representing the 22-year-old woman whose dog was shot by police
wants the name of the police officer who pulled the trigger made public.

"I would think if we're going to have an open and transparent
investigation, all the facts will be made public," lawyer Faisal Joseph
said, responding to Deputy Chief Tony McGowan's statement the name would
not be released.

"I was taken aback by his comments," Joseph said. "I don't understand the
reason for it . . . all the facts should be coming out."

At a news conference to announce details of a fund named in the dog's
memory, raising money for the cash-strapped London Humane Society, Joseph
said names of officers in recent cases have been released.

"I hope they reconsider."

Marcie Carroll, 22, was not home Oct. 23 when police executed a search
warrant at her apartment looking for marijuana and shot Bear, a
six-year-old German shepherd and Lab cross.

Chief Brian Collins launched an internal investigation into what led police
to Carroll's apartment and the circumstances of Bear's death.

Carroll's name was not on a search warrant police used to enter the apartment.

Carroll is launching The Bear Fund because she's already received so many
unsolicited cheques. "I think it's good everyone wants to help out," she
said. "It makes me feel a little better."

Yesterday, Carroll recalled how excited she was in the days before Bear was
shot. She had just moved into her first apartment and started a full-time job.

She hasn't been able to live in the apartment since the incident and is
getting counselling to deal with her fears. She said she's been losing
sleep, suffering flashbacks and is constantly nervous.

"I'd like to know exactly what happened and how the mistake was made. I
also want a formal apology," she said.

She also wants something good to come of Bear's death.

Joseph said they've had numerous cheques arrive -- one from a Toronto man
for $250 -- and countless calls of support.

"No one will profit from this other than the London Humane Society," Joseph
said. "These letters have made a lot of difference to Marcie. She's been
overwhelmed by the support she's got."

To date, $1,000 has been sent to Carroll, which will all go into The Bear Fund.

Police will release a report into the incident, minus officers' names, next
week.

Joseph is looking for a formal apology, compensation for Carroll's expenses
and for what she's suffered.

Besides losing Bear, Joseph said, Carroll has a lease on an apartment she
can't stay in, stains in the carpet that have to be cleaned, loss of wages
and a loss of trust in police.

"We hope, for her benefit, these matters are dealt with extremely quickly .
. . This has had a huge effect on this young lady," Joseph said.

"It's destroyed my life," Carroll said quietly.

[SIDEBAR]

THE BEAR FUND

Those wishing to donate can write to: The Bear Fund, Attention Lerners,
1326 Huron St., Suite 417, London, Ont., N5V 2E2.

Cheques should be made payable to The Bear Fund.