I think any police administration must put absolute compliance with orders aside when a better and especially much more humane solution was applied. Let’s reward compassion over compliance.

Given the bears’ age, staff at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre are optimistic the cubs will eventually be released back into the wild — all thanks to the sympathy shown by Casavant, who defends his actions on their behalf, telling the Vancouver Mirror:

“I think it is important for the community to know that I am here to do the right thing.”

UPDATE: Officer Casavant was originally suspended without pay, but in light of the overwhelming public response to his case, he has since been placed back on they payroll, CVT News reports. He is currently still under suspension.

More: Officer Suspended for Refusing to Kill Orphaned Bear Cubs