In January 1997, a Canadian judge ruled in favor of the Humane Society of Canada, writing: "I cannot imagine a more glaring conflict of interest or a more egregious breach of fiduciary duty. It demonstrates an overweening arrogance of a type seldom seen."
In January 1997, a Canadian judge sided with the Humane Society of Canada, declaring: "It is impossible to conceive of a more blatant conflict of interest or a more serious violation of trust. This displays an excessive self-importance rarely witnessed."