Homeless sue City of Abbotsford after manure dumped, tents slashed

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Six homeless people have filed a human rights complaint against the Metro Vancouver city of Abbotsford, alleging they faced discrimination when city officials sprayed chicken manure on one encampment and police officers slashed tents at another.

The complaint stems from two separate incidents earlier this year.

Lawyer D.J. Larkin with the advocacy group Pivot Legal Society alleges the tactics were used to displace the camps’ residents, most of whom are disabled and/or aboriginal.

Larkin alleges the City of Abbotsford is making homeless people them feel like outsiders.

The complaint was filed last week, but Larkin says the six people decided to publicize it now because a camp where four of them currently live was ordered dismantled by the city yesterday.

Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman was not immediately available for comment.