Debate needed on bear spray: police chief

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This article was published 21/02/2023 (977 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg’s police chief says it’s time to talk about cracking down on bear spray sales and their illegal use after a series of bear-spray attacks in the West End and downtown.

“We’re encountering it enough that it’s worthy, I think, of a conversation in the community,” Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth said Tuesday. “Whether that means regulations of some sort, or prohibition, I’m not sure where this lands,” he said, adding change could come via industry regulations or tightened legislation.

“Right now it’s just far too easy to acquire bear spray,” and use it while committing robbery, assault or other crimes, he said.

On Sunday, more than three people were injured by bear spray in a string of assaults.

Victims of a fourth incident couldn’t be located. The incidents happened between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., and police can’t say definitively that all were related, but they believe the assaults that occurred later in the morning, around 11 a.m., were connected.

“I can understand the alarm in the community,” Smyth said, making reference to similar bear-spray attacks in recent weeks. He said he’s confident investigators will identify and track down those responsible for the latest attacks, noting the large network of security cameras and video footage in downtown Winnipeg.

Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said he has been working with officials in the agriculture department to try to track down the most likely source of bear spray that has been used as a weapon. The substance is regulated under federal pesticide legislation. Often used by hikers to guard against wild animals, bear spray is commonly sold at sporting goods stores and outfitters.

Goertzen said the problem with banning it, or more heavily restricting its purchase, is that those who use it for nefarious purposes would still get it illegally, while law-abiding citizens might be unable to get it, Goertzen said.

He said he has discussed legislative changes, which would target possession of modified bear-spray cans, with the federal government.

katie.may@winnipegfreepress.com