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Below are selected comments pulled from thousands of submitted petitions. Identities are not disclosed for obvious reasons.
Shame on the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency. Give Mr. Patterson a special permit /
authorization and stop wasting everybody's time and money. This is
ridiculous. Also, I simply cannot believe either that with such a loose
immigration policy for humans in Canada, that such steps are taken to
remove one, small, defenceless and HARMLESS flying squirrel! === Doesn't our government
have enough to worry about what with war, famine and unseaworthy subs?
Just how much is all this legal wrangling costing Canadian taxpayers? === Hopefully our so-called
"powers that be" will carefully consider the value of dropping their
appeal in favour of a rational, compassionate and just decision to
shift their time and energies as well as taxpayers' money in the
direction of more serious and worthwhile concerns. === It's ridiculous to
believe that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Attorney
General would waste Canadian Taxpayers money to deport a tiny adorable
creature. I am appalled. === Absolute governmental /
judicial ineptitude, incompetence and total waste of taxpayers' money!!
Unacceptable!! Turf Dr. Barr and the government prosecutor involved out
of their cushy Federal jobs -- they are obviously over paid,
under-worked and totally devoid of common sense. If it isn't
sponsorship scandals, NOW it's SquirrelGate! If newly-elected PM Paul
Martin and his band of Liberal bozos can't sort this out IMMEDIATELY --
toss them ALL out of parliament -- they're incapable of governing, or
intelligently handling anything!! === It is time to halt this
country's decline to 3rd world attitudes and bureaucratic
nightmares. I used to be a Liberal but that may soon change. And
yes I'm sending money! === This is the silliest
thing I have ever heard of! I am sure any vet could guarantee this
little girl's health and perhaps our government could move along to
more weighty matters like puppy mills or mad cows. === There are more serious
issues facing the courts than a baby flying squirrel (no offence
Sabrina). For Gods sakes, will the Canadian government EVER stop
wasting taxpayers money? Whats next, handing out passports to the
"illegal immigrant squirrels" that cross the border every day?
Good luck Steve and Sabrina! Don't let them intimidate and push
you around! === I've never heard of
anything so stupid. Keep up the good work. === I can't believe
it. Normally I swear off watching the news because of all the
depressing war and racism. But who would've thought that the last
time I watched City News I thought I was watching comedy! The
Canadian Government at war against a... flying squirrel??!! Give
it a rest! If they're so up in arms about possible diseases it
might spread then give it a test and a green light already. Or
better yet, spend billions of dollars putting up a fence along our
border so that we don't have to worry about this HUGE new menace. I think it is ridiculous
that the government wants to deport a squirrel because it "may" be a
health risk... seeing as it was allowed into the country by customs why
can't it stay? If there are concerns about disease spread, or
other health issues, why not just have the animal checked out by a
vet! I mean honestly, how much simpler would that be?
Rather than tying up the legal system with this absurd deportation of a
squirrel?!?!?! === I am absolutely appalled
at the government's decision to pursue an appeal in this matter. There
are much more threatening things going on in this country than this.
It's too bad that the government has decided to waste taxpayers'
hard-earned money on trying to deport this tiny little squirrel who
will harm nobody. They are just showing the Canadian public that
completing the correct paperwork and going about things like this in an
honest and proper manner is not the right way to go. === How many flying squirrels
cross the border everyday? And the government is concerned about
one that had the proper paperwork and was captive bred? When will
the Canadian Government get a clue and start dealing with real
problems? As long as Sabrina has the the proper medical care and
vacinations, there shouldn't be a problem. It's also clearly too
late to separate her from Steve. She's bonded to him and
separating her would be tantamount to a death sentence. === Sabrina is a special
animal. She is NOT a danger to Canadian society. We can all benefit
from Sabrina staying in Canada. Good luck with your battle!! === How typical that the
government wastes taxpayer dollars and resources to pursue such moot
issues. Go Sabrina! === It is very important to
educate our youth to appreciate the natural environments in Canada,
what better way to teach that than with Sabrina as a living breathing
example of why our ecosystem is critical to maintain. === This squirrel is doing no
harm...heavy handedness by central governments must be fought at all
costs! This isnt Stalinist Russia... === The government's
inability to distinguish the important from the unimportant is truly
astounding in this instance, but unfortunately not surprising. === This whole case is a
ridiculous waste of government resources. I can't believe that
our tax dollars are being used in this fashion (or maybe I
can....). === Let the Squirrel
Stay!! If she has already been tested for the disease in
question, and has already won one court decision. Surely we have
more important problems in this country to deal with than a
squirrel. Need we waste more money on this issue? I say no! === The government's attempts
to deport this small helpless squirrel are evidence of an unprecedented
smallness and meanness. They also show a flagrant contempt for the
proper use of taxpayer's money. All those connected with this vile
action should be forced to resign publicly. As a squirrel, Sabrina is a
rodent. The people who are trying to do this to her are rats. === Crazy, crazy stuff. More
ridiculous waste by the federal Liberals. Keep fighting, Steve! === === Honestly, CIFA, what a
waste of taxpayers' money; let Sabrina stay! At least give her
owner credit for doing everything he thought he needed to do in order
to bring her in Canada legally...unlike the majority of illegally owned
exotic creatures in this country. === Good luck, Steve!
Once again, overzealousness on the part of out government for something
that does not warrant it. What a ridiculous waste of
resources! If only we could get them to use them on some of the
more important issues in our society! === The Canadian government
seems to be making a mountain out of a mole hill on this one. Clearly
this little animal is healthy and can continue to be monitored if
required. If the animal had arrived in Canada by surreptitious means
then, fine, enforce the regulation...but she didn't, and now she needs
the security and continuity of her Canadian home. Contact with
other animals is unlikely so really, where's the risk? Be more
careful in the future so as to avoid copycat cases but for Heaven's
sake let it drop. This is as daft as the Michigan Republican
Party wanting to arrest Michael Moore, or Tony Blair for making an
ill-considered comment on the fox-hunting ban: a can of worms that the
government would do well to close and quickly. Cute little furry
animals arouse enormous popular support, politicians who cause
suffering to said cute furry animals do not! If an Englishman
living in France feels fed up about this at midnight local time, God
only knows what your local electorate is thinking! === This is a BIG waste of
our money! I can't believe the government would go this far with
this case. === This is so
ridiculous! This man went through all the proper channels to get
the squirrel here. As long as it is healthy, there should be no
reason to deport her. Quit wasting tax payers money on something
so miniscule. === This is enough to make a
lifelong Liberal consider changing his allegiance. War criminals have
been admitted under ministerial discretion in the past, what does it
take to allow a harmless squirrel to become a Canadian. === Am a Canadian living in
Italy. Try wasting taxpayers' money on worthwhile things for a
change. Its getting rather embarressing that these are the
articles in the Canadian news. Refreshing, and lighthearted,
granted, but embarrassing all the same. === I honestly didn't know
whether to laugh or cry when I read about Sabrina. === I appreciate the efforts
of CFIA to ensure the saftey of Canadians but I find their application
of the measures with which they are entrusted to be inappropriate. === Come on Government get
real. === CFIA's actions are a
complete waste of taxpayer money which can be better used elsewhere.
Instead of chasing after criminals disguised as refugees and illegal
immigrants they're chasing after squirrels. This is how pathetic the
Canadian bureacracy has become. === What a colossal waste of
resources. I understand the need to regulate the transfer of
liestock across borders, but at some point, it would be nice if someone
exercised a little common sense. Its a species that lives here
already! Another example of punishing people for following the
rules in the first place. === That the government is
spending its time on such a case is completely absurd. Therefore
I am supporting this petition which I hope will hold up the enforcement
process, thereby irritating some person with some power to change this
procedure, enough that the process will indeed be aborted. Good
luck and good health, Sabrina! === It amazes me that the
government is wasting time and money on deporting a harmless,
defenseless squirrel when there is SO MUCH MORE that needs
attention!!!! OH, wait. No, it doesn't surprise me. === We should be so diligent
with removing criminals who have immigrated to this country under false
pretences as we are with this poor little squirrel. It would be
one thing if it was being let loose in the wilderness and it was not
already part of the ecosystem, however considering it is a native of
North America and could probably quite easily come and go across the
border if it lived closer to it, the lengths the government is going to
is really quite ridiculous. I fully support Sabrina staying, you
go girl! === In the context of all the
other critical issues that our bureaucrats should be spending their
valuable time on (and OUR tax money)this matter is very trivial and
will certainly not create any "irreparable harm" to Canadians.
Quit wasting your time on this, Gov't of Canada. There is more value to
society in letting Sabrina stay for educational purposes. Find
some other bigger issues to deal with. Respect the rulings of
your own judiciary. === Another unbelievable move
from the beloved Totalitarian Democracy of Canada! === I commend Steve Patterson for his efforts and personal commitment to educate children and the general public about flying squirrels. It seems that the CFIA has chosen to adopt a bureaucratic "them's the rules" stance, rather than work with Mr. Patterson to figure out how they can facilitate his efforts. Shame! === Steve Patterson is one of the world's top authorities on the Northern Flying Squirrel and is a great boon to understanding Canada's wildlife. It is unthinkable that the CFIA would prevent his continuing investigations because of a mere technicality that is of no logic whatsoever. Monkeypox is not an issue at all in this case. - J.R., MD === Regulations are in force for both the protection of humans and animals. However, there are exceptions to regulations in both the interest of the human being and the animal. The USDA has regulations similar to those in Canada. However, the enforcement of those regulations are not black and white all the time, sometimes they are shades of gray. The way the regulation or law is interpreted leaves a lot of leeway for the benefit of the human being and also for the animal involved. I would hope that the Canadian authorities interpret these regulations for the benefit of the animal as well. Good luck and we will be watching with a keen eye on what transpires with this pending case. We will also have our fingers crossed and our hands folded in prayer that the Canadian authorities make a decision that is beneficial to all involved. === What a ridiculous waste of our money. Our government should be encouraging citizens such as Mr. Patterson who has made such an effort to comply with regulations and good wildlife practices in order to educate Ontarians about a common but little known species. === Steve Patterson is unique in Ontario, in being able to educate people, especially children, about flying squirrels in an exciting way that kids will remember. I hate to see him lose his flying squirrel, after going through so much work to get her, because of a blanket law that may not even be applicable to flying squirrels. === Please show some reason in assessing this case. Clearly, Steve's presentations on Northern Flying Squirrels, with the real-life presence of Sabrina to inspire affection and respect for this unique member of our natural environment, will be a great contribution to this country's environmental well-being. Please, let Sabrina stay! === Is the CFIA prepared to
turn back every wild flying squirrel which crosses the border during
its nocturnal activities? Please, let common sense and fair play keep
Sabrina with Steve Patterson to further his valuable educational work. === Shame on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This flying squirrel has been in Canada long enough to have met any quarantine issues and is obviously not a health risk. Steve Patterson set about "adopting" Sabrina in a open and lawful manner. He believed he had met all the necessary legal and governmental requirements. He never had any intention of subverting government regulations. Give Mr. Patterson a special permission authorization and stop wasting resources. === CFIA's actions in this matter have been
based on erroneous assumptions and ill-informed opinions. Their
unwillingness to listen to and/or consult with experts in this field is
absolutely reprehensible and is contrary to their own mandate. === I find it very interesting that with such a loose and open immigration policy for humans in Canada, such steps would be taken to remove one small flying squirrel! === Steve Patterson does great work on behalf of conservation education and flying squirrels in particular. I would hope that our government would support these efforts. It would be a great shame if Sabrina were deported for no good reason. === This squirrel has been in Canada for over a month now and represents no threat to the public, whatsoever. This squirrel is to be employed as an educaional tool over its lifespan (10 - 15 years), potentially educating thousands of people. === He imported the squirrel legally. To remove it now because you made a mistake isn't fair. The monkey pox rationale is no longer valid since the quarantine period is over. He should be given permission to keep Sabrina. === This is clearly a case for "bending" the rules! === I guess if your squirrel were a registered terrorist it would be allowed to stay. Good Luck Steve. === CFIA is WRONG! Please let Steve
keep Sabrina. There is no reason for the exhaustive cost of
money, time, and legal capability that has been wasted on an obviously
healthy, well cared for, non-wild animal obtained by legal means!
If CFIA was so adamant about the non-ownership and immigration of
squirrels then they should have notified the other agencies involved
with any kind of documentation or licensing the first time. {PS:
Great idea on teaching kids about flying squirrels, maybe more people
wouldn't be so cruel to animals if they learned more about them!} === A two-ounce Northern Flying Squirrel caught in a web of bureaucracy that could prematurely end her life. Steve went out of his way do everything above board. Shame on us to let this injustice happen. I was over 50 before I saw a flying squirrel glide in to raid our bird-feeders. It is a nightly occurrence, should everyone be so lucky. === I personally have met Steve and have learned a great deal of information relating to Flyers, other animals and birds. Steve is a true asset to every person interested in our wildlife and his plight with Sabrina should not end in disaster. Sabrina will be a great tool to teach our younger generation about flyers........we have had the pleasure of enjoying their beautiful big eyes as they glide about at our Lakehouse on the Northern Bruce Peninusula. Give others the chance to see these beautiful animals...leave Sabrina with Steve!! === Thanks to Steve and his work I have been feeding the flying squirrels for two years now and enjoy their visits immensly. Steve has educated me in their ways of life and how to protect them in the wild. They have been a great source of entertainment during the cold winter nites. I even have had the opportunity to pet one on occasion. Please allow Steve to continue his work with Sabrina it is for the benefit of all nature lovers that he find out more of the little creatures habits to share with us. Thank you. === Considering all the extreme and viable efforts of Mr. Patterson, the solution is obvious - let the poor animal stay! === There is no alternative in my mind but to allow Mr. Patterson to keep the flying squirrel for educational purposes now that it has imprinted on him. CFIA should spend their time and money on more important issues affecting entire populations of wildlife such as game farms and large-scale farming of animals in Canada where disease is a real problem waiting to explode!! === This is just so ridiculous ... bureaucracy gone wild. Please, let those responsible come to their senses and leave little Sabrina alone. Good luck with this! === We need government to be more responsive and flexible and reasonable. === If the CFIA will reverse their decision, and let Sabrina stay in Canada, so many more Canadians would then have the opportunity to learn about these amazing animals. === It seems that there is no good reason, legislative or otherwise, for preventing Sabrina from staying in Canada. === Steve Patterson is known to me personally and I know he will nurture this individual North American native mammal, Sabrina. Education is the best method of conservation. Assign someone, please, to review the file with an eye to common sense, given the details of the case, and with compassion for the creature who poses no risk to Canadians and could easily die once removed from Patterson. Naturalists have long memories; show leadership here and now, and turn this into a good story about the government. === Obviously our taxes are too high and we
can soon expect a refund if the government has time and the stupidity
to go after a little squirrel. Come on guys, get a life! === I think there are more important issues
our government should spend there money on, not waste it on something
that is harmless and beautiful! Go Sabrina Go! === If the worst problem your country faces
comes from a harmless, adorable little flying squirrel, consider
yourselves fortunate indeed. I'll trade your squirrel for our
President Bush any day. Sabrina is at least as smart, causes a
whole lot fewer problems, and is a _whole_lot_ cuter... === Get over it, LET SABRINA STAY!!! You'd
think that the Canadian Government would have bigger and more important
things to worry about than some small animal that poses no threat
whatsoever. Go deal with matters that actually mean something to
Canadians rather than bully around a small animal. Get over it and get
off it! Mr. Patterson, you keep strong you're doing a great job!
Working together we can and will get Sabrina legalized!!! === If the government spent as much time
going after the dangerous human illegals as they have for this
squirrel, Canada would be much safer place. === I am signing this
petition in
regards to helping save Sabrina from being deported. She appears to be
no threat to anyone and would be a great creature for students and
other people to see and learn of here in Canada. I am very sad to hear that our government would actually want to build a case against such a defenceless creature and spend so much time on this when they could spend their time and money on other crimes being commited much more serious then on a squirrel. "What a joke" and an "embarrassment" to Canadian citizens who support our government.
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