BANFF – Banff RCMP are asking for the public's help to identify those responsible for vandalizing the Banff Canada Goose storefront in Cascade Shops on Tuesday (Dec. 10) night.
Red spray-paint was used to write "Boycott Animal Cruelty" across the windows of the newly opened retail outlet at 317 Banff Ave.
"From our perspective, this is very disappointing because Canada is a place where we are very respectful of private opinions including dissentive opinions and including the right to peaceful and lawful protest," said Staff Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr. "I have found the police, the Town of Banff and the Canada Goose store have all been very amenable to people who are having peaceful and lawful protests, making their opinions known.
"But to take their personal opinion and turn it into criminal acts it's just very disappointing."
The RCMP confirmed they have launched an investigation, requesting video surveillance from the stores in the area, as well as the Town of Banff's traffic cameras. Buxton-Carr said they are considering criminal charges, if they are able to confirm the identities of those involved.
Officials are also asking anyone with information to contact Banff RCMP.
"We are hopeful anyone with information about the act will come forward and contact the Banff RCMP to help us investigate this," Buxton-Carr said.
While the RCMP noted there have been protests since the store's opening two weeks ago, including a small protest from local activists on the opening day, Buxton-Carr said prior to the vandalism everyone had acted in a lawful, peaceful way.
"There was a small protest on the opening day, a group of local activists who are concerned about the products being sold, but they handled themselves lawfully and peacefully and they just exercised their opinions as they are perfectly entitled to do," Buxton-Carr said. "They didn't commit any crimes, they didn't step over any lines and let their personal opinion become criminal acts ... it is unfortunate someone with a dissenting opinion or opinion contrary to the interest of the business has decided to make it criminal."
According to the Canada Goose website, the company is committed to ethical sourcing and responsible use of all animal material in its products.
"We do not condone any willful mistreatment, neglect, or acts that maliciously cause animals undue suffering. Our standards for the sourcing and use of fur, down and wool reflect our commitment that materials are sourced from animals that are not subject to willful mistreatment or undue harm," the website states.
Last month, 15 protestors were arrested after they stormed sled dog compounds near Canmore. They are facing criminal charges of break and enter to commit mischief.
"You are certainly entitled to your opinions and your opinions will be respected and you have an opportunity in Canada to make yourself heard – there are just guidelines that we ask people to follow in regards to voicing your opinions and sharing your opinions, whether it is online or in-person, without committing criminal acts, without disrupting peoples ability to enjoy their lives, or conduct their business without creating any damage," Buxton-Carr said.
"The goalpost within which we can operate is fairly wide, there is a lot of latitude given to people in Canada to peacefully protest and voice their opinion – it's a choice to turn a peaceful activity into a criminal act and we are certainly hopeful that people will not make that choice."
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600.
