Neighbours of accused Kelowna hamster killer protest outside courthouse

A handful of people held a protest at the Kelowna courthouse today in an effort to bring attention to their concerns that an accused animal killer able to walk freely in their neighbourhood.

Leighton Allen Labute was charged in May after a video was posted online of the torture and killing of three hamsters, and has been out on bail. Other disturbing social media postings have been associated with him as well. 

The protest was set to coincide with his first scheduled appearance in court today, Aug. 25, the first since he was charged.

“I think that the fact that not enough people are speaking up in situations that are a lot like this gives him the freedom to move around,” protest organizer Bodreay Fraser said.

She lives in the same Richter Street neighbourhood as Labute and doesn’t feel safe with him walking the streets.

READ MORE: Alleged Kelowna hamster torturer returns to court today

“I’m hoping, at least, this will shake things up a little bit and eyes will be on him and he will know the community is watching him," she said.

Fraser said she was not wanting a large turnout at the protest because of COVID-19 but wanted to get media attention focused on the issue.

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