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The death of another Wiarton Willie has once again reignited debate over the town’s long-running groundhog tradition.
Animal rights advocates including PETA have weighed in, and a recent letter writer responded with satire.
Now, Owen Sound’s Sasha Fernando adds his voice, offering a reflective take on tradition, spectacle, and fresh questions raised as public attitudes toward animals continue to evolve.
Letter: Tradition, Spectacle & The Debate Over Wiarton Willie
To be fair, compared to the fate of many wild woodchucks, when they were plentiful and wreaking havoc in farmers’ fields, those that weren’t shot and hung on fence posts, or taken by predators, Willie likely did have a better life than most of his kind.
That said, this does not make the conditions ideal, nor does it make the use appropriate.
Public Notice
April Community Services Committee meeting rescheduled to Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. - City of Owen Sound
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Today, we have news and updates involving Grey Bruce OPP, Owen Sound Fire Services, Bruce County Council, Owen Sound Little Theatre, Chapmans Ice Cream, Southampton Arts, Owen Sound Attack Hockey, Grey County Paramedics and more.
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