Yellowknife, N.W.T. – A Hay River animal rights activist has become the fifth person to run in the federal election for NWT's Western Arctic riding.

Bonnie Dawson is representing the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada -- a party seeking to improve animal protection, the environment and wildlife habitat.

Dawson said the party's platform is about more than safeguarding animals.

She says there's a direct correlation between the way people treat animals and the way they treat human beings and added that warning signs of abuse can be present from a young age.

"These acts of violence are indicative of future violence against humans, as the child becomes an adult. We've seen that over and over again."

Dawson plans to campaign for fully equipped animal shelters in the NWT, as well as getting spay and neuter clinics in the communities to help curb cases of animal neglect and abuse.

"Help control the population explosion. There won't be as many abandoned and unwanted puppies and they're not going to be found in town dumps with their throats slashed."

Dawson is referring to a case from November, 2009, when several puppies were found in the landfill in Behchoko with their throats slit.

Dawson likes to be optimistic about the upcoming election, but said she’s also a realist.

"If I get a few votes, hey, wonderful. But by getting the party name on the actual ballot... provides two things: it provides awareness and it may very well peak interest and curiosity."

They're two elements Dawson said are important in motivating people to research the issues and find out how the party proposes to tackle some chronic problems in how society deals with animals and the environment.

There are a few other candidates running for the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada in other ridings; Liz White is the federal leader and is running for the riding of Thornhill, Ontario.

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