DOG DEATH REPORT LIKELY SOON

The results of a police investigation surrounding a botched drug raid will
be made public late next week, said London Deputy Chief Tony McGowan.

At the police services board meeting last night, Chief Brian Collins said
the internal investigation, led by Insp. Kenneth Heslop, will finish in the
next couple of days. The findings of the investigation will go to McGowan
early next week.

He will review it and decide whether Police Services Act charges will be laid.

McGowan didn't say whether criminal charges will be brought against any of
the officers.

Under the Criminal Code, a person who shoots a dog without a lawful excuse
is guilty of a crime.

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.

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

Her name was not on a search warrant police used to enter the apartment.

If Carroll isn't happy with the decision in her case, she can appeal to a
civilian review committee in Toronto, McGowan said.

The results of the investigation will be made public soon.

"I am hopeful that we will have a response to this situation for the public
toward the end of next week," McGowan said.

The names of the officer will not be made public, he said. "I don't know
that we're going to be in a situation where we're going to name the
officers publicly in regards to who did what and when."

But Carroll will know the name of the officer who shot and killed her dog,
he said.

So far, Heslop has interviewed close to 30 police officers and witnesses.
Carroll has also spoken to him, with her lawyer, Faisal Joseph, present.

Today, Paul Scheiding, a radio host with CHRW, will officially launch the
Bear Fund in memory of the dog.

Money from the fund will go to the London Humane Society to help other animals.

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.