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Beware trial by Twitter

Facebook and Twitter are more than social media tools to show off what you are enjoying for supper. However, just like something you cook or eat, it should be taken with a grain of salt.

Facebook and Twitter are more than social media tools to show off what you are enjoying for supper. However, just like something you cook or eat, it should be taken with a grain of salt.

An Okotoks business recently became the target of a social media rant on the Facebook page Boycott Animal House Okotoks. The premise is a stand against businesses selling puppies – and to raise awareness of puppy mills.

This is despite the fact there has been no proof connecting the Okotoks business with puppy mills or mismanagement of puppies. The Alberta SPCA said there is no investigation into Animal House. However, that news came

out too late or else it may have stopped the approximately 20 protestors with signs like: ‘Honk if you support puppy mill awareness’ or ‘Stop supporting animal abuse’ on May 7 in front of the Animal House store. Sure, the signs don’t mention Animal House per se, but if this was a connect-the-dots puzzle, there would be only two dots.

Those dots got considerably bigger with the use of Facebook page. Of course, public protest is an absolute right of the people. It has been used successfully to bring about change when done responsibly. Social media has helped fuel the causes of Idle No More and in a business-related way, the successful boycott of Heinz ketchup in Canada when a factory was shut down in Ontario. However, they were based on fact, not innuendo.

The protest on May 7 did little to help the cause of cute puppies, but likely took a bite out of an Okotoks business’ livelihood.

Full disclosure: Animal House has advertised with the Western Wheel in the past.




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