It is Only Funny if Everyone Laughs.

Tristin Hopper of the newly formed online magazine “The Capital” has recently returned to Victoria to base his free-lance career here. His welcome was worn out for many Victoria residents on August 23, 2019 with this tweet:

Claiming that he saw a raccoon attacking an elderly woman on a city street, he says he kicked the animal to death, in a feat of masculine chivalry.  In a move that would make a trophy hunter proud he then took to Twitter with a picture of his foot on the animal’s neck.  Another picture taken by a witness depicted himself taking the photo, posed with a rock, a stick and his father holding a machete.

Immediate outrage was met with derision, and he positioned himself as the victim of “a ridiculous Twitter pile-on.” He advised his followers that he was going to get a rabies shot.  His story then changed.  He was actually protecting a dog.

Dark humour may be an expectation of Tristin Hopper followers, but very few were laughing at his violent public post.  The suffering of this raccoon for a snicker did not resonate with anyone who has observed the struggles of this and other species within city limits.  Many reported the post the BC SPCA, who responded to several comments.

Jordan Reichert of the Animal Protection Party of Canada, who is based in Victoria and running in the upcoming federal election, said:

“Violence against animals is systemic in our society. Mr. Hopper’s actions are an expression of the worst side of that violence, where the arrogance and sadistic pleasure of killing others weaker than oneself are a public taunt to those looking to create a more compassionate society towards animals and the natural world. If it were a dog or cat under his shoe the consequences would be far more severe than what this poor raccoon will elicit, I regret.”

Urban wildlife in our province are facing increasing pressure from rampant development and unchecked extraction of natural resources.  The animals are doing their best to co-exist in a rapidly changing and increasingly dangerous environment.  The casual violence demonstrated by Tristin Hopper, with the complicity of his father wielding a machete, puts a spotlight on the need for compassion towards all who call Victoria home.

Let’s just say Tristin Hopper of The Capital got off on the wrong foot when he returned to Victoria.

*Correction: “The Capital” magazine is not associated with the Times Colonist online magazine by the same name.

Kelly Carson

Victoria Animal News