Animal rights groups to protest Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner’s killing of a grizzly bear

A coalition of six animal rights groups is planning to stage a protest outside the Honda Center on Monday to bring attention to Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner’s killing of a grizzly bear in May of 2013, while he was a member of the Minnesota Wild. Organizer Judie Mancuso said 80 to 100 protesters are expected to gather near the arena’s west entrance from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in advance of the Ducks’ home opener against the Vancouver Canucks.

Earlier this year Stoner was charged on five counts under the Wildlife Act of British Columbia, Canada for killing a bear known as “Cheeky” in the area of British Columbia’s central coast. Stoner was charged with two counts of knowingly making a false statement to obtain a hunting license, hunting without a license, hunting out of season, and unlawful possession of dead wildlife.

Shortly after the incident, Stoner issued a statement saying he had applied for and received the proper license for the hunt and was a resident of British Columbia at the time it occurred.

Stoner was represented by legal counsel at his first court date, last Friday in Vancouver. About a dozen members of a group called Bears Matter, which opposes trophy hunting, gathered outside provincial court to bring attention to the case. Stoner’s next court date is Nov. 13.

Representatives of Social Compassion in Legislation, Peace 4 Animals, Union Members for the Preservation of Wildlife, Last Chance for Animals, In Defense of Animals and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are expected to attend Monday’s protest in Anaheim and demand that Stoner be suspended for his actions.

helene.elliott@latimes.com

Twitter: @helenenothelen

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