Animal killer Kayla Bourque appeals pet ban

A B.C. woman who was convicted of torturing and killing animals and who admitted to wanting to kill homeless people is hoping to change her release conditions barring her from owning pets.

Kayla Bourque was convicted last year of causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to animals, wilfully and without lawful excuse killing animals, and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

She was released in January under a number of strict conditions, including a ban from owning any animals for life.

• Animal killer Kayla Bourque released to live in Vancouver

On Wednesday, Bourque's lawyer was atthe B.C. Court of Appeal fighting to change that restriction.

"There have been cases where people have been banned from owning animals for up to 25 years and I have asked the court to look at those for an appropriate limitation," said Andrew Bonfield.

"We want her to be involved in mental health.We want her to be involved in lots of other things so that she can hopefully not end up with any problems in her future."

Bourque, a former criminology student at Simon Fraser University,has admitted to taking delight in killing animals and fantasizing about shooting homeless people. Several psychologists who interviewed Bourque found she showed no remorse or insight into her crimes.

The Court of Appeal is not expected to rule on the restrictions until October.