SPCA heads to court for dog slaughter documents

The SPCA in British Columbia will be in a North Vancouver courtroom Friday to demand the release of documents detailing the slaughter of some 100 sled dogs near Whistler.

The non-profit agency is tasked with enforcing animal cruelty laws and obtained a court order for WorkSafe BC's file on the case.

But the compensation board is seeking an exemption, arguing future claimants will not speak openly if they fear confidential documents will be released.

WorkSafe BC says it was a leaked version of that file that prompted an investigation into allegations a man shot the dogs last April and buried them in a mass grave.

A WorkSafe BC spokeswoman said the agency can't simply release confidential records, but will disclose whatever a judge orders them to produce.

Meanwhile, the RCMP say the dog slaughter case has prompted a growing number of threats -- including death threats.

The threats are being made against workers of Outdoor Adventures but Mounties say the employees were not involved in the deaths of the dogs.

Outdoor Adventures did, however, release a joint statement with the former dog sled tour operator believed responsible for the killings.

The statement released two days ago said half the dogs were too old and sick.