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Police say man sealed puppy in bags, dumped it in trash can
By Antonella Artuso, Toronto Sun
First posted: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 04:02 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 05:06 PM EDT
Toronto Police want public assistance in tracking down a suspect believed to have sealed a three-month-old puppy in several plastic bags and dumped it in a trash can in a North York mall.
If not for the speedy assistance of passerby Josh Miller who heard its yelps, the tiny Yorkie would likely not have survived its ordeal, Toronto Police Const. Caroline de Kloet said.
“The puppy has been adopted by a family and is in good health, happy and healthy,” she said.
Now police are looking for a suspect in the animal cruelty case, captured in a photo released to the public.
Anyone with information that could help identify the man - described as five-foot-11 with short, dark hair, and carrying a black shoulder bag – are asked to call police at 416-808-3200, Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS or online at http://222tips.com or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
Miller said he was on his way into Lawrence Square Plaza just before 4 p.m. last Tuesday when he heard animal sounds coming from a trash can.
Inside five separately tied grocery bags was the weak little female Yorkie pup, weighing just over two pounds, he said.
The dog had been in the trash for about 10 minutes, he said.
“It was 30 degrees that day,” Miller said. “It was extremely hot and she was right in the sun in a garbage can in all those bags. I doubt she would have lasted much longer.”
Miller said he rushed the distressed pup to the closest vet, the Lawrence Veterinary Clinic, where staff gathered around to help it.
Vet staff told him that the dog was suffering with a parasite but it was not a serious health issue.
“She’s going to be totally fine,” he said, adding friends of his wife have adopted her and named her Minnie.
According to police, a suspect was spotted on security camera footage near Dane Avenue and Blossomfield Drive at about 3:40 p.m. on July 11, walking toward Lawrence Square Plaza.
Police say he approached the northwest doors, discarded a dark bag he was carrying and entered the plaza.
“He made a few stops inside the plaza, then exited through the same doors he had entered from,” a police news release says.
Earlier this year, a two-legged puppy later named Cupid was rescued after it was found dumped behind a Toronto building.
People with unwanted animals have an easy and far more humane option.
“Toronto Animal Services offers a barrier-free service to accept animals,” program manager Mary Lou Leiher said in a statement. “Toronto Animal Services does not refuse to accept any animal, so there is no reason why any pet owner should believe that abandonment of a pet is the only solution.”
A man who police say sealed a three-month-old puppy in several plastic bags and dumped it in a trash can in North York was spotted on security camera footage near Dane Avenue and Blossomfield Drive at about 3:40 p.m. on July 11. (TORONTO POLICE/HANDOUT)
Minnie the Yorkie.
Police say man sealed puppy in bags, dumped it in trash can | Toronto & GTA | Ne
Drunk driver switched seats with dying passenger: Crown | Ontario | News | Toron
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Teenager who killed man over spilled coffee gets 20 years | Home | Toronto Sun
By Antonella Artuso, Toronto Sun
First posted: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 04:02 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 05:06 PM EDT
Toronto Police want public assistance in tracking down a suspect believed to have sealed a three-month-old puppy in several plastic bags and dumped it in a trash can in a North York mall.
If not for the speedy assistance of passerby Josh Miller who heard its yelps, the tiny Yorkie would likely not have survived its ordeal, Toronto Police Const. Caroline de Kloet said.
“The puppy has been adopted by a family and is in good health, happy and healthy,” she said.
Now police are looking for a suspect in the animal cruelty case, captured in a photo released to the public.
Anyone with information that could help identify the man - described as five-foot-11 with short, dark hair, and carrying a black shoulder bag – are asked to call police at 416-808-3200, Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS or online at http://222tips.com or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).
Miller said he was on his way into Lawrence Square Plaza just before 4 p.m. last Tuesday when he heard animal sounds coming from a trash can.
Inside five separately tied grocery bags was the weak little female Yorkie pup, weighing just over two pounds, he said.
The dog had been in the trash for about 10 minutes, he said.
“It was 30 degrees that day,” Miller said. “It was extremely hot and she was right in the sun in a garbage can in all those bags. I doubt she would have lasted much longer.”
Miller said he rushed the distressed pup to the closest vet, the Lawrence Veterinary Clinic, where staff gathered around to help it.
Vet staff told him that the dog was suffering with a parasite but it was not a serious health issue.
“She’s going to be totally fine,” he said, adding friends of his wife have adopted her and named her Minnie.
According to police, a suspect was spotted on security camera footage near Dane Avenue and Blossomfield Drive at about 3:40 p.m. on July 11, walking toward Lawrence Square Plaza.
Police say he approached the northwest doors, discarded a dark bag he was carrying and entered the plaza.
“He made a few stops inside the plaza, then exited through the same doors he had entered from,” a police news release says.
Earlier this year, a two-legged puppy later named Cupid was rescued after it was found dumped behind a Toronto building.
People with unwanted animals have an easy and far more humane option.
“Toronto Animal Services offers a barrier-free service to accept animals,” program manager Mary Lou Leiher said in a statement. “Toronto Animal Services does not refuse to accept any animal, so there is no reason why any pet owner should believe that abandonment of a pet is the only solution.”
A man who police say sealed a three-month-old puppy in several plastic bags and dumped it in a trash can in North York was spotted on security camera footage near Dane Avenue and Blossomfield Drive at about 3:40 p.m. on July 11. (TORONTO POLICE/HANDOUT)
Minnie the Yorkie.
Police say man sealed puppy in bags, dumped it in trash can | Toronto & GTA | Ne
Drunk driver switched seats with dying passenger: Crown | Ontario | News | Toron
Police say bomb that injured four was
Teenager who killed man over spilled coffee gets 20 years | Home | Toronto Sun
Man surrenders to police in case of tossed puppy
Police investigation leads to seizure of 37 dogs
By Antonella Artuso, Toronto Sun
First posted: Thursday, July 20, 2017 11:19 AM EDT | Updated: Thursday, July 20, 2017 04:54 PM EDT
TORONTO*-*\A police investigation into the dumping of a puppy in a trash can has led to criminal charges and the seizure of 37 dogs.
Quang (Andrew) Tieu, 35, of Toronto, surrendered to 32 Division where he was charged Thursday with causing unnecessary pain or injury to an animal and abandoning or neglecting an animal, Toronto Police said in a news release.
Tieu is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 24.
Earlier this week, police released a security camera image of a man believed to have dumped a three-month-old Yorkie puppy, tied up in five knotted plastic bags, in a trash can at Lawrence Square Plaza on July 11.
Passerby Josh Miller rescued the “distressed” pup and she’s now got a new name – Minnie – and a new family.
Mary Lou Leiher, program manager for Toronto Animal Services (TAS), said one of their staff members saw the photo, and called police with a possible identification.
TAS went along with police to an unspecified address and seized 23 adult dogs and 14 puppies.
“When we got there, we realized there were a lot of dogs on the property,” Leiher said. “The big concern was the sheer number was so large, there were so many dogs, and they were not being kept in sanitary or humane conditions.”
The animals were covered in urine and feces, a few were dehydrated, and all were held in cages in spaces with poor light and ventilation, she said.
Some of the animals have minor health problems but nothing that can’t be quickly treated, she said.
“None of them seem to have any major health issues,” Leiher said.
There was a litter of Golden Retriever puppies, Boston Terriers, Pugs and Yorkies in the mix, she said.
The animals are going to be placed in foster homes pending the outcome of the police investigation, she said.
Leiher couldn’t say if the dogs were being bred for sale, saying it will be up to the police investigation to determine why so many were being kept.
In a news release, police cautioned the public to use a “reputable source” to find a dog for their family or when searching for another home for their dog.
When searching for a dog online, buyers should do their homework, Leiher said.
If a seller won’t show where the animal has been living, or won’t let a buyer meet a puppy’s parents or litter mates, those are red flags, Leiher said.
“That’s very suspicious,” she said. “There are reputable breeders out there and there are ways to determine if it’s on the up and up or not.”
Residents should call the city at 311 if they become aware of someone keeping animals in unsafe conditions, police said.
aartuso@postmedia.com
Twenty-three adult dogs and 14 puppies have been located at an unspecified Toronto address and seized as part of a police investigation. (SUBMITTED/PHOTO)
Man surrenders to police in case of tossed puppy | Toronto & GTA | News | Toront
Police investigation leads to seizure of 37 dogs
By Antonella Artuso, Toronto Sun
First posted: Thursday, July 20, 2017 11:19 AM EDT | Updated: Thursday, July 20, 2017 04:54 PM EDT
TORONTO*-*\A police investigation into the dumping of a puppy in a trash can has led to criminal charges and the seizure of 37 dogs.
Quang (Andrew) Tieu, 35, of Toronto, surrendered to 32 Division where he was charged Thursday with causing unnecessary pain or injury to an animal and abandoning or neglecting an animal, Toronto Police said in a news release.
Tieu is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 24.
Earlier this week, police released a security camera image of a man believed to have dumped a three-month-old Yorkie puppy, tied up in five knotted plastic bags, in a trash can at Lawrence Square Plaza on July 11.
Passerby Josh Miller rescued the “distressed” pup and she’s now got a new name – Minnie – and a new family.
Mary Lou Leiher, program manager for Toronto Animal Services (TAS), said one of their staff members saw the photo, and called police with a possible identification.
TAS went along with police to an unspecified address and seized 23 adult dogs and 14 puppies.
“When we got there, we realized there were a lot of dogs on the property,” Leiher said. “The big concern was the sheer number was so large, there were so many dogs, and they were not being kept in sanitary or humane conditions.”
The animals were covered in urine and feces, a few were dehydrated, and all were held in cages in spaces with poor light and ventilation, she said.
Some of the animals have minor health problems but nothing that can’t be quickly treated, she said.
“None of them seem to have any major health issues,” Leiher said.
There was a litter of Golden Retriever puppies, Boston Terriers, Pugs and Yorkies in the mix, she said.
The animals are going to be placed in foster homes pending the outcome of the police investigation, she said.
Leiher couldn’t say if the dogs were being bred for sale, saying it will be up to the police investigation to determine why so many were being kept.
In a news release, police cautioned the public to use a “reputable source” to find a dog for their family or when searching for another home for their dog.
When searching for a dog online, buyers should do their homework, Leiher said.
If a seller won’t show where the animal has been living, or won’t let a buyer meet a puppy’s parents or litter mates, those are red flags, Leiher said.
“That’s very suspicious,” she said. “There are reputable breeders out there and there are ways to determine if it’s on the up and up or not.”
Residents should call the city at 311 if they become aware of someone keeping animals in unsafe conditions, police said.
aartuso@postmedia.com
Twenty-three adult dogs and 14 puppies have been located at an unspecified Toronto address and seized as part of a police investigation. (SUBMITTED/PHOTO)
Man surrenders to police in case of tossed puppy | Toronto & GTA | News | Toront
Man sentenced to 120 days in jail after mutilating pet fish during domestic rage
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 09:05 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 09:22 AM EDT
BRISTOL, Conn. — A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 120 days in jail after police say he cut a pet fish in half during a domestic dispute.
The Bristol Press reports*33-year-old Juan Vega pleaded guilty Tuesday to breach of peace.
As part of the plea deal, a charge of cruelty to animals was dropped.
Authorities say police responded to a call of a domestic disturbance at a Bristol home April 27.
Police say Vega argued with a woman and damaged property at the residence.
The woman’s 9-year-old son told officers the family’s pet betta fish was killed.
The prosecutor says the fish killing “really did traumatize” the child.
The Bristol Press - New Britain man gets 120 days in prison after killing pet fish in Bristol
Man sentenced to 120 days in jail after mutilating pet fish during domestic rage
'Look, it's already almost dead:' Disturbing footage of shark getting dragged by boat
Postmedia Network
First posted: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 11:31 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 11:42 AM EDT
Florida officials are looking into a "horrific" video that has gone viral of a shark being dragged behind a boat.
In the 10-second video posted to social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram, a shark can be seen being dragged by its tail at a high rate of speed.
"Look, it's already almost dead," said one man in the video while pointing at the shark.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials believe the video was recorded off the state's west coast.
"I've never seen a more horrific video as far as an animal is concerned in 50 years of shark fishing," Mark "The Shark" Quartiano, a popular shark hunter in south Florida, told Tampa ABC affiliate WFTS.
Quartiano, who posted the video to his Instagram account, said he was sent the disturbing footage by the man behind the wheel of the boat, Michael Wenzel. He also received a picture of the shark torn to pieces.
FWC officials say there is a grey area when it comes to the legality of dragging a shark, and would not comment further.
http://facebook.com/tampabaynews/videos/10155575692185409
http://instagram.com/p/BW7_3spDXOG
WATCH | FWC investigating after social media video of shark being dragged goes viral - abcactionnews.com WFTS-TV
'Look, it's already almost dead:' Disturbing footage of shark getting dragged by
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 09:05 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 09:22 AM EDT
BRISTOL, Conn. — A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 120 days in jail after police say he cut a pet fish in half during a domestic dispute.
The Bristol Press reports*33-year-old Juan Vega pleaded guilty Tuesday to breach of peace.
As part of the plea deal, a charge of cruelty to animals was dropped.
Authorities say police responded to a call of a domestic disturbance at a Bristol home April 27.
Police say Vega argued with a woman and damaged property at the residence.
The woman’s 9-year-old son told officers the family’s pet betta fish was killed.
The prosecutor says the fish killing “really did traumatize” the child.
The Bristol Press - New Britain man gets 120 days in prison after killing pet fish in Bristol
Man sentenced to 120 days in jail after mutilating pet fish during domestic rage
'Look, it's already almost dead:' Disturbing footage of shark getting dragged by boat
Postmedia Network
First posted: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 11:31 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 11:42 AM EDT
Florida officials are looking into a "horrific" video that has gone viral of a shark being dragged behind a boat.
In the 10-second video posted to social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram, a shark can be seen being dragged by its tail at a high rate of speed.
"Look, it's already almost dead," said one man in the video while pointing at the shark.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials believe the video was recorded off the state's west coast.
"I've never seen a more horrific video as far as an animal is concerned in 50 years of shark fishing," Mark "The Shark" Quartiano, a popular shark hunter in south Florida, told Tampa ABC affiliate WFTS.
Quartiano, who posted the video to his Instagram account, said he was sent the disturbing footage by the man behind the wheel of the boat, Michael Wenzel. He also received a picture of the shark torn to pieces.
FWC officials say there is a grey area when it comes to the legality of dragging a shark, and would not comment further.
http://facebook.com/tampabaynews/videos/10155575692185409
http://instagram.com/p/BW7_3spDXOG
WATCH | FWC investigating after social media video of shark being dragged goes viral - abcactionnews.com WFTS-TV
'Look, it's already almost dead:' Disturbing footage of shark getting dragged by
Suspects in shark dragging video ID'd
By Brad Hunter, Toronto Sun
First posted: Friday, July 28, 2017 01:35 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, July 28, 2017 02:26 PM EDT
Two dumb thugs whose video of a helpless shark being dragged behind a fishing boat went viral have allegedly been identified.
And it appears they are frequent fliers when it comes to animal cruelty.
On another post, the pair are shown pouring beer into the mouth of a grouper fish.
“This is one of the evil POS that dragged the shark,” one post on Facebook read, the New York Post reports.
“His name is Bo Benac. His mother is a Manatee County commissioner. Look what he and his friend are doing to this beautiful grouper who was probably 50 years old. #notfunny”
The friend is reportedly believed to be Nicholas Burns Easterling and a third man, thought to have been present, has allegedly been identified as Michael Wenzel.
Wenzel was investigated in 2015 for allegedly posting photos of himself “gripping” pelicans and seagulls.
The Miami Herald reported that the probe was closed last January.
The shocking video of the shark being tortured triggered an avalanche of outrage and an online petition calling for them to be punished.
“This sociopathic behavior demands attention and prevention,” the petition reads. “Many feel that this act of violence is in fact a criminal act...We also demand that everyone in this video has their fishing license revoked permanently.”
No charges have been laid at this point.
So far, the men and their families are keeping tight-lipped, the Herald reports, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission declined to confirm their identities.
Another post on Wenzel’s Instagram page allegedly shows him shooting a gun at a tarpon off Sarasota.
The video — posted to Instagram Tuesday after it was emailed to shark hunter Mark Quartiano — blew up the Internet.
One writer wrote: “Who does this? Sick f—s.”
bhunter@postmedia.com
Bo Benac, seen here in an Instagram photo, has been identified as one of three men suspected of being on a fishing boat that dragged a helpless shark in its wake - an act of animal cruelty captured on a video that recently went viral online. (Instagram photo)
Suspects in shark dragging video ID'd | Home | Toronto Sun
By Brad Hunter, Toronto Sun
First posted: Friday, July 28, 2017 01:35 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, July 28, 2017 02:26 PM EDT
Two dumb thugs whose video of a helpless shark being dragged behind a fishing boat went viral have allegedly been identified.
And it appears they are frequent fliers when it comes to animal cruelty.
On another post, the pair are shown pouring beer into the mouth of a grouper fish.
“This is one of the evil POS that dragged the shark,” one post on Facebook read, the New York Post reports.
“His name is Bo Benac. His mother is a Manatee County commissioner. Look what he and his friend are doing to this beautiful grouper who was probably 50 years old. #notfunny”
The friend is reportedly believed to be Nicholas Burns Easterling and a third man, thought to have been present, has allegedly been identified as Michael Wenzel.
Wenzel was investigated in 2015 for allegedly posting photos of himself “gripping” pelicans and seagulls.
The Miami Herald reported that the probe was closed last January.
The shocking video of the shark being tortured triggered an avalanche of outrage and an online petition calling for them to be punished.
“This sociopathic behavior demands attention and prevention,” the petition reads. “Many feel that this act of violence is in fact a criminal act...We also demand that everyone in this video has their fishing license revoked permanently.”
No charges have been laid at this point.
So far, the men and their families are keeping tight-lipped, the Herald reports, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission declined to confirm their identities.
Another post on Wenzel’s Instagram page allegedly shows him shooting a gun at a tarpon off Sarasota.
The video — posted to Instagram Tuesday after it was emailed to shark hunter Mark Quartiano — blew up the Internet.
One writer wrote: “Who does this? Sick f—s.”
bhunter@postmedia.com
Bo Benac, seen here in an Instagram photo, has been identified as one of three men suspected of being on a fishing boat that dragged a helpless shark in its wake - an act of animal cruelty captured on a video that recently went viral online. (Instagram photo)
Suspects in shark dragging video ID'd | Home | Toronto Sun
Is sicko behind cats’ beheading?
Postmedia Network
First posted: Thursday, August 03, 2017 03:26 PM EDT
Animal welfare investigators fear a twisted maniac is beheading cats in an area north of Trenton.
The severed heads of three cats were discovered in an open field near the Heritage Trail (former railway tracks) in Frankford on three separate occasions over a three-week period.
“It’s very strange. They don’t appear to be severed as a result of an animal attack and we have no evidence of the bodies or visible blood pools,” said Allison Cross, spokesperson for the Ontario SPCA. “There are certain characteristics in line with an animal attack that don’t match up with this particular case.”
She added: “We have had situations like this in the past and there have been various explanations for them, but this is suspicious and concerning — enough for us to reach out for the public’s help.”
So far, no other remains of the unfortunate felines have been found.
Gail Robinson - president of the Loyalist Humane Society - has never come across a case as shocking as the beheadings.
“I am shocked and horrified at the news, I don’t understand why things like this happen — it just leaves you wondering why something like this would happen to an innocent animal,” she said, adding “I will be thinking about this the rest of the day, it’s just so sad.”
If you have any information about the cats or their killer, contact the SPCA at 310-SPCA or cruelty@ospca.on.ca
Is sicko behind cats’ beheading?
Postmedia Network
First posted: Thursday, August 03, 2017 03:26 PM EDT
Animal welfare investigators fear a twisted maniac is beheading cats in an area north of Trenton.
The severed heads of three cats were discovered in an open field near the Heritage Trail (former railway tracks) in Frankford on three separate occasions over a three-week period.
“It’s very strange. They don’t appear to be severed as a result of an animal attack and we have no evidence of the bodies or visible blood pools,” said Allison Cross, spokesperson for the Ontario SPCA. “There are certain characteristics in line with an animal attack that don’t match up with this particular case.”
She added: “We have had situations like this in the past and there have been various explanations for them, but this is suspicious and concerning — enough for us to reach out for the public’s help.”
So far, no other remains of the unfortunate felines have been found.
Gail Robinson - president of the Loyalist Humane Society - has never come across a case as shocking as the beheadings.
“I am shocked and horrified at the news, I don’t understand why things like this happen — it just leaves you wondering why something like this would happen to an innocent animal,” she said, adding “I will be thinking about this the rest of the day, it’s just so sad.”
If you have any information about the cats or their killer, contact the SPCA at 310-SPCA or cruelty@ospca.on.ca
Is sicko behind cats’ beheading?
Sick cat killer John Gehrlein sentenced to two years in prison
Still unclear why New York man nearly decaptitated cat in backyard
First posted: Friday, August 04, 2017 07:41 AM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 04, 2017 07:54 AM EDT
ALBANY, N.Y. — An upstate New York man has been sentenced to two years in prison for the gruesome killing of a cat and won’t be allowed to have pets once he’s released.
WTEN-TV reports 45-year-old John Gehrlein, of Albany, was sentenced Thursday. A jury in June found Gehrlein guilty of felony aggravated animal cruelty.
Police say they found a nearly decapitated cat in Gehrlein’s backyard in December 2016. Investigators say the animal’s head was only attached to its body by its spinal cord.
Police say Gehrlein admitted to killing the cat but didn’t provide an explanation for his actions.
As part of his sentence, Gehrlein will be prohibited from owning an animal once he’s release.
John Gehrlein, 45.
Anvato Universal Player
Sick cat killer John Gehrlein sentenced to two years in prison | U.S. CRIME | Wo
Caught on video: Man chuckles as he shoots, kills struggling hammerhead shark
Postmedia Network
First posted: Friday, August 04, 2017 12:45 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 04, 2017 01:04 PM EDT
Authorities in Florida are investigating after a video surfaced of a cold-hearted fisherman allegedly shooting and killing a hammerhead shark as it helplessly dangled from a rod.
The video shows a man sporting a red baseball cap and sunglasses pointing a pistol at the helpless shark which was caught on his fishing rod. The unnamed man is then seen laughing as he pumps two bullets into the gills of the animal, causing it to bleed to death.
According to the Miami Herald, the footage has caught the eyes of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The viral video was given to animal activist Russ Rector, who was told the shark shooting occurred off the waters of the Siesta Key near Sarasota, Fla. The video was provided by the person who shot the footage.
WARNING: Video is of graphic nature
“My first reaction was how ridiculous it was and how cruel it was, quite frankly,” Rector told the Herald. “This was all done so they can videotape it and show it to their friends.”
Rector believed the latest shark killing was conducted by the same crew behind the infamous viral video of a shark being violently dragged behind a boat last month.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission spokesperson told WSVN that the video is being investigated but could not confirm the identity of those involved.
A video depicts a man allegedly shooting a hammerhead shark with a pistol. (Screengrab)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYBgjMPnNBg
Video shows shark being shot to death | Miami Herald
'Look, it's already almost dead:' Disturbing footage of shark getting dragged by
Video shows shark shot and left to die in the ocean – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
Caught on video: Man chuckles as he shoots, kills struggling hammerhead shark |
'Uninhabitable for animals or people': Hundreds of animals found during arrest
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Friday, August 04, 2017 04:49 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 04, 2017 04:57 PM EDT
MONTCLAIR, Calif. — Police in California stumbled across a trash-strewn industrial building crammed with more than 1,000 snakes, parrots, chickens and other animals — many of them dead — when they arrived to serve an arrest warrant on a man who rented the property.
The surviving animals were being examined and sheltered Friday by the Inland Valley Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Police originally arrived at the industrial building in Montclair, 50 kilometres east of Los Angeles, to make an arrest unrelated to the animals. They had asked humane society workers to accompany them to care for the man’s two dogs while he was in custody.
But when they got there, humane society operations manager James Edward said Friday, they immediately became suspicious that other animals were inside.
A search warrant was served and authorities entered to find more than a thousand chickens, baby chicks, parakeets, parrots, love birds, snakes and fish.
“Unfortunately there were numerous deceased chickens and snakes,” Edward said, adding conditions were deplorable.
Trash and debris were strewn everywhere, he said, and fish were swimming in tanks so filthy it was impossible to identify them. Snakes were locked in boxes without food or water. The building, itself, reeked of ammonia.
“It was definitely uninhabitable for animals or people,” Edward said.
Police did not immediately release the arrested man’s name, and Edward said authorities didn’t know why the animals were kept there.
This photo shows one of the dead birds still in a cage as the Inland Valley Humane Society removes animals, some alive and some dead, from a warehouse Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 in Montclair, Calif. (Terry Pierson/Los Angeles Daily News via AP)
'Uninhabitable for animals or people': Hundreds of animals found during arrest |
Still unclear why New York man nearly decaptitated cat in backyard
First posted: Friday, August 04, 2017 07:41 AM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 04, 2017 07:54 AM EDT
ALBANY, N.Y. — An upstate New York man has been sentenced to two years in prison for the gruesome killing of a cat and won’t be allowed to have pets once he’s released.
WTEN-TV reports 45-year-old John Gehrlein, of Albany, was sentenced Thursday. A jury in June found Gehrlein guilty of felony aggravated animal cruelty.
Police say they found a nearly decapitated cat in Gehrlein’s backyard in December 2016. Investigators say the animal’s head was only attached to its body by its spinal cord.
Police say Gehrlein admitted to killing the cat but didn’t provide an explanation for his actions.
As part of his sentence, Gehrlein will be prohibited from owning an animal once he’s release.
John Gehrlein, 45.
Anvato Universal Player
Sick cat killer John Gehrlein sentenced to two years in prison | U.S. CRIME | Wo
Caught on video: Man chuckles as he shoots, kills struggling hammerhead shark
Postmedia Network
First posted: Friday, August 04, 2017 12:45 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 04, 2017 01:04 PM EDT
Authorities in Florida are investigating after a video surfaced of a cold-hearted fisherman allegedly shooting and killing a hammerhead shark as it helplessly dangled from a rod.
The video shows a man sporting a red baseball cap and sunglasses pointing a pistol at the helpless shark which was caught on his fishing rod. The unnamed man is then seen laughing as he pumps two bullets into the gills of the animal, causing it to bleed to death.
According to the Miami Herald, the footage has caught the eyes of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The viral video was given to animal activist Russ Rector, who was told the shark shooting occurred off the waters of the Siesta Key near Sarasota, Fla. The video was provided by the person who shot the footage.
WARNING: Video is of graphic nature
“My first reaction was how ridiculous it was and how cruel it was, quite frankly,” Rector told the Herald. “This was all done so they can videotape it and show it to their friends.”
Rector believed the latest shark killing was conducted by the same crew behind the infamous viral video of a shark being violently dragged behind a boat last month.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission spokesperson told WSVN that the video is being investigated but could not confirm the identity of those involved.
A video depicts a man allegedly shooting a hammerhead shark with a pistol. (Screengrab)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYBgjMPnNBg
Video shows shark being shot to death | Miami Herald
'Look, it's already almost dead:' Disturbing footage of shark getting dragged by
Video shows shark shot and left to die in the ocean – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
Caught on video: Man chuckles as he shoots, kills struggling hammerhead shark |
'Uninhabitable for animals or people': Hundreds of animals found during arrest
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Friday, August 04, 2017 04:49 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 04, 2017 04:57 PM EDT
MONTCLAIR, Calif. — Police in California stumbled across a trash-strewn industrial building crammed with more than 1,000 snakes, parrots, chickens and other animals — many of them dead — when they arrived to serve an arrest warrant on a man who rented the property.
The surviving animals were being examined and sheltered Friday by the Inland Valley Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Police originally arrived at the industrial building in Montclair, 50 kilometres east of Los Angeles, to make an arrest unrelated to the animals. They had asked humane society workers to accompany them to care for the man’s two dogs while he was in custody.
But when they got there, humane society operations manager James Edward said Friday, they immediately became suspicious that other animals were inside.
A search warrant was served and authorities entered to find more than a thousand chickens, baby chicks, parakeets, parrots, love birds, snakes and fish.
“Unfortunately there were numerous deceased chickens and snakes,” Edward said, adding conditions were deplorable.
Trash and debris were strewn everywhere, he said, and fish were swimming in tanks so filthy it was impossible to identify them. Snakes were locked in boxes without food or water. The building, itself, reeked of ammonia.
“It was definitely uninhabitable for animals or people,” Edward said.
Police did not immediately release the arrested man’s name, and Edward said authorities didn’t know why the animals were kept there.
This photo shows one of the dead birds still in a cage as the Inland Valley Humane Society removes animals, some alive and some dead, from a warehouse Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 in Montclair, Calif. (Terry Pierson/Los Angeles Daily News via AP)
'Uninhabitable for animals or people': Hundreds of animals found during arrest |
Concern for dog after treatment on TTC subway
By Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun
First posted: Sunday, August 06, 2017 01:20 PM EDT | Updated: Sunday, August 06, 2017 01:44 PM EDT
It was an ugly incident that’s hard to watch.
Video posted on YouTube shows a woman who appears to hit — and at one point even bite — a tiny dog while forcibly yanking its leash as the terrified canine tries to move away from her on the TTC subway.
Shocking and disturbing, the video garnered international media attention.
But equally as shocking is the abused dog is still in the custody of this woman, who appears to be struggling though her own personal, perhaps even medical, issues.
Called by an emergency alarm at St. George station, Toronto Police spoke with the woman and released her with the dog.
“Officers from 53 Division spoke to the woman and some witnesses and found no signs physical harm to the dog,” said Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook, adding there was no basis in law to remove the dog from its owner.
But things changed an hour later when the video appeared and it went viral on social media.
“Immediately the officers contacted the OSPCA (Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals),” said Cook, who said she herself was “very concerned” about the welfare of the dog.
OSPCA spokesman Alison Cross told me “the dog was returned to the owner by the police as the police had no grounds to remove the dog from the owner under the law. If the dog is not in immediate distress, ... they wouldn’t have grounds to keep it.”
In a country where we reward somebody who killed an allied soldier in Afghanistan with eight figures and an apology, I get that there is leniency when it comes to justice for a helpless dog.
But Charter rights aside, I feel for the animal. I wish for once the rules would work for the innocent.
Letting the woman keep this dog was in my view a mistake and I articulated this to the OSPCA and police spokesmen who are not directly involved but merely handling the media calls.
I could tell they were both as shaken up about the treatment of this dog — as are many of you.
“We do have an open investigation into the matter,” said Cross. “It was brought to our attention (Saturday). It’s too early in our investigation to share details at this time. We will be updating the public when we have more information to share.”
The authorities took her information, but for the public, the whereabouts of the woman and the dog is unknown. Many are wondering where they ended up?
The bad news is we don’t know how the whereabouts of the dog. The good news is the authorities are on this.
“As for our role, we have the same jurisdiction as the police when it comes to animal welfare legislation. We can lay charges both under the Ontario SPCA Act and the Criminal Code,” said Cross.
The only thing I want to hear is that this dog is OK. If someone has information, let us know.
No matter how this all turns out, there’s nothing acceptable about cruelty toward a vulnerable dog that looks like it may be a Chinese crested — a breed known for being happy go lucky and gentle.
A YouTube video shows a woman abusing a dog on the subway (YOUTUBE)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xgi2_JFTeY
Concern for dog after treatment on TTC subway | WARMINGTON | Toronto & GTA | New
By Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun
First posted: Sunday, August 06, 2017 01:20 PM EDT | Updated: Sunday, August 06, 2017 01:44 PM EDT
It was an ugly incident that’s hard to watch.
Video posted on YouTube shows a woman who appears to hit — and at one point even bite — a tiny dog while forcibly yanking its leash as the terrified canine tries to move away from her on the TTC subway.
Shocking and disturbing, the video garnered international media attention.
But equally as shocking is the abused dog is still in the custody of this woman, who appears to be struggling though her own personal, perhaps even medical, issues.
Called by an emergency alarm at St. George station, Toronto Police spoke with the woman and released her with the dog.
“Officers from 53 Division spoke to the woman and some witnesses and found no signs physical harm to the dog,” said Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook, adding there was no basis in law to remove the dog from its owner.
But things changed an hour later when the video appeared and it went viral on social media.
“Immediately the officers contacted the OSPCA (Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals),” said Cook, who said she herself was “very concerned” about the welfare of the dog.
OSPCA spokesman Alison Cross told me “the dog was returned to the owner by the police as the police had no grounds to remove the dog from the owner under the law. If the dog is not in immediate distress, ... they wouldn’t have grounds to keep it.”
In a country where we reward somebody who killed an allied soldier in Afghanistan with eight figures and an apology, I get that there is leniency when it comes to justice for a helpless dog.
But Charter rights aside, I feel for the animal. I wish for once the rules would work for the innocent.
Letting the woman keep this dog was in my view a mistake and I articulated this to the OSPCA and police spokesmen who are not directly involved but merely handling the media calls.
I could tell they were both as shaken up about the treatment of this dog — as are many of you.
“We do have an open investigation into the matter,” said Cross. “It was brought to our attention (Saturday). It’s too early in our investigation to share details at this time. We will be updating the public when we have more information to share.”
The authorities took her information, but for the public, the whereabouts of the woman and the dog is unknown. Many are wondering where they ended up?
The bad news is we don’t know how the whereabouts of the dog. The good news is the authorities are on this.
“As for our role, we have the same jurisdiction as the police when it comes to animal welfare legislation. We can lay charges both under the Ontario SPCA Act and the Criminal Code,” said Cross.
The only thing I want to hear is that this dog is OK. If someone has information, let us know.
No matter how this all turns out, there’s nothing acceptable about cruelty toward a vulnerable dog that looks like it may be a Chinese crested — a breed known for being happy go lucky and gentle.
A YouTube video shows a woman abusing a dog on the subway (YOUTUBE)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xgi2_JFTeY
Concern for dog after treatment on TTC subway | WARMINGTON | Toronto & GTA | New
Dog in disturbing video shot on TTC seized
By Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun
First posted: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 07:52 AM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 11:21 AM EDT
TORONTO - A tiny dog seen in a disturbing video shot on a TTC subway is safe.
“The dog is in our care and charges are pending,” Alison Cross, Ontario SPCA communications director, told the Toronto Sun on Monday.
In the video, shot Friday afternoon on a train at St. George station, a woman appears to bite the dog, hit it, and violently yank its leash.
“You hear me? Stop it, stop it right now,” the woman yells at the dog, which is on a leash and is seen trying to move away several times.
“You’ve got to stop hitting your dog,” a man is seen saying to the woman when the train is stopped and the emergency alarm is going off.
“Stop what? Pardon?” the woman says to the man before hurling expletives.
Toronto Police were called and the dog was originally left in the care of the woman.
"The dog was returned to the owner by the police as the police had no grounds to remove the dog from the owner under the law. If the dog is not in immediate distress ... they wouldn’t have grounds to keep it," Cross said Sunday.
But once police saw the video filmed by a TTC passenger, they immediately brought the matter to the OSPCA. Sources say it took a day, but once the woman was located, the dog was removed from her custody immediately.
The treatment of the dog has upset canine lovers around the world.
“I just can’t believe anybody would treat a dog like that,” said dog lover Don Cherry. “I am so glad the Sun is on this story because that poor, innocent dog deserved better.”
Cross said more information on this case will be made public soon.
- With files from Canadian Press
jwarmington@postmedia.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xgi2_JFTeY
Dog in disturbing video shot on TTC seized | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
By Joe Warmington, Toronto Sun
First posted: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 07:52 AM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 11:21 AM EDT
TORONTO - A tiny dog seen in a disturbing video shot on a TTC subway is safe.
“The dog is in our care and charges are pending,” Alison Cross, Ontario SPCA communications director, told the Toronto Sun on Monday.
In the video, shot Friday afternoon on a train at St. George station, a woman appears to bite the dog, hit it, and violently yank its leash.
“You hear me? Stop it, stop it right now,” the woman yells at the dog, which is on a leash and is seen trying to move away several times.
“You’ve got to stop hitting your dog,” a man is seen saying to the woman when the train is stopped and the emergency alarm is going off.
“Stop what? Pardon?” the woman says to the man before hurling expletives.
Toronto Police were called and the dog was originally left in the care of the woman.
"The dog was returned to the owner by the police as the police had no grounds to remove the dog from the owner under the law. If the dog is not in immediate distress ... they wouldn’t have grounds to keep it," Cross said Sunday.
But once police saw the video filmed by a TTC passenger, they immediately brought the matter to the OSPCA. Sources say it took a day, but once the woman was located, the dog was removed from her custody immediately.
The treatment of the dog has upset canine lovers around the world.
“I just can’t believe anybody would treat a dog like that,” said dog lover Don Cherry. “I am so glad the Sun is on this story because that poor, innocent dog deserved better.”
Cross said more information on this case will be made public soon.
- With files from Canadian Press
jwarmington@postmedia.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xgi2_JFTeY
Dog in disturbing video shot on TTC seized | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
Man charged with animal cruelty after horse falls from trailer on Hwy. 401
Lauren Malyk
First posted: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 11:04 PM EDT
A 61-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after a horse fell from a moving livestock trailer last month on Highway 401.
The Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said in a news release Tuesday that the man from Alfred, Ont., 70 kilometres east of Ottawa, is charged with causing distress to an animal and failing to transport the horse safely.
“If you fail to transport an animal in a safe manner that ensures its safety and welfare, there will be consequences under the law,” Bonnie Bishop, the senior inspector of farm animal welfare for the Ontario SPCA, said in the release. “Transporting an animal is a serious responsibility and you must take every precaution to ensure that animal is not put in distress.”
Ontario Provincial Police in Prescott reported on July 14 that a mare was injured after falling through an unsecured door at the rear of a trailer into the eastbound lanes of the highway. There were four other horses aboard the trailer.
Police said motorists tried to help the injured animal as the driver continued on his way. The driver, whose name has not been released by the police or the SPCA, was later located and escorted by police back to the scene.
The SPCA said the horse was “responding well to treatment” by a veterinarian.
Police charged under the Highway Traffic Act the with having an unsecured load.
He is set to appear at the provincial offences court on the cruelty charges in Brockville on Sept. 13.
Man charged with animal cruelty after horse falls from trailer on Hwy. 401 | Ont
Lauren Malyk
First posted: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 11:04 PM EDT
A 61-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after a horse fell from a moving livestock trailer last month on Highway 401.
The Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said in a news release Tuesday that the man from Alfred, Ont., 70 kilometres east of Ottawa, is charged with causing distress to an animal and failing to transport the horse safely.
“If you fail to transport an animal in a safe manner that ensures its safety and welfare, there will be consequences under the law,” Bonnie Bishop, the senior inspector of farm animal welfare for the Ontario SPCA, said in the release. “Transporting an animal is a serious responsibility and you must take every precaution to ensure that animal is not put in distress.”
Ontario Provincial Police in Prescott reported on July 14 that a mare was injured after falling through an unsecured door at the rear of a trailer into the eastbound lanes of the highway. There were four other horses aboard the trailer.
Police said motorists tried to help the injured animal as the driver continued on his way. The driver, whose name has not been released by the police or the SPCA, was later located and escorted by police back to the scene.
The SPCA said the horse was “responding well to treatment” by a veterinarian.
Police charged under the Highway Traffic Act the with having an unsecured load.
He is set to appear at the provincial offences court on the cruelty charges in Brockville on Sept. 13.
Man charged with animal cruelty after horse falls from trailer on Hwy. 401 | Ont
Decapitated goat, chickens found along Lake Ontario in Pickering
By Jane Stevenson, Toronto Sun
First posted: Wednesday, August 09, 2017 01:32 PM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 09, 2017 01:35 PM EDT
Police are investigating the horrific discovery of decapitated animals along Lake Ontario in Pickering.
Durham Regional Police say several chickens and a goat were found without heads on Monday morning by residents in the Beachpoint Promenade and West Shore Blvd. area.
“We’re trying to find out why they ended up there and how,” Const. George Tudos said Wednesday.
“It’s obviously not something we find on a regular basis. So yeah, it’s a little bit bizarre. We’re trying to figure out the motive behind it. (The remains) were seen by many people.”
In some parts of the world, animals like chickens or goats can be used for sacrifice in the practice of the Afro-Caribbean religion Santeria (and later eaten), but Tudos said there was no evidence of that in this case.
“Not that I’m aware of,” he said. “It could be but we don’t have any information as to who put (those animals) there.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at 1-888-579-1520 ext 2542 or Crime Stoppers.
jstevenson@postmedia.com
Decapitated goat, chickens found along Lake Ontario in Pickering | Toronto & GTA
Beamsville cat investigation stalled
By Karena Walter, The Standard
First posted: Wednesday, August 09, 2017 07:27 PM EDT | Updated: Thursday, August 10, 2017 11:26 AM EDT
The Ontario SPCA says it can’t move forward with an investigation on a Beamsville property where animal rescue agencies say they’ve rescued more than 100 cats and found dozens more dead.
Ontario SPCA spokeswoman Alison Cross said the agency will not be laying charges at the Merritt Road property due to lack of evidence.
Cross said the agency can’t confirm claims by the rescue groups that a large number of animals lived there and hasn’t been provided evidence by the groups — something the volunteers at the site dispute.
“These groups are actively speaking to the media and promoting ways the public can support their efforts for these animals,” Cross said in a statement. “However even after months of our officers attending the property, the society has yet to see evidence of these numbers of animals.”
Cross said the society has asked multiple times and the groups have yet to provide them with evidence.
“It is very unfortunate that these groups have chosen to speak to the media and promote themselves rather than work with the authorities. As a result, due to their lack of co-operation and not sharing the information they alleged they have, we cannot move any further in our investigation and charges will not be laid.”
But Beamsville4Paw Rescue’s Katelyn Hodgson said photo evidence from the property was sent to an OPSA investigator by email. As well, members of Beamsville4Paw rescue have spoken to investigators in person at the property and invited them to see bags of dead cats.
“What do you need us to do to co-operate, because we thought we were co-operating,” Hodgson said.
Hodgson said volunteers found barrels on the property full of carcasses. They didn’t open all of them because they wanted the OSPCA to see them first-hand so they wouldn’t be tampering with the evidence. It’s not known how the cats died.
They’ve also been posting photos on their Facebook page.
“We weren’t hiding anything. Everything is public, out in the open.”
She said the only response they’ve received from the OSPCA is what they read in news articles.
Hodgson said it’s frustrating because volunteers like Beamsville4Paw owner Pam Huson have been trying so hard to help the cats at the site.
Huson said in an earlier interview the volunteer group has taken in 58 cats from the property plus another 20 picked up from Merritt Road by the Welland SPCA. Another 30 were taken in by Project Save-a-Cat’s Life.
Some of the cats, including more than 30 kittens, will go up for adoption Saturday and Sunday at Grimsby’s PetValu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
“I’m absolutely shocked,” said Dinah Nichol, a volunteer with Project Save-a-Cat’s Life after hearing the OSPCA’S response.
Nichol, a teaching assistant at Brock University, has been on the property every day for three-and-a-half weeks trapping cats and finding bodies with other volunteers.
“If they have been on the property they can attest to the numbers because they’re not feral,” Nichol said. “I’m a stranger to the property and when I walked out there were 40 cats coming at me. They easily would have seen the same thing.”
Nichol said when she did see OSPCA investigators on the property, they were quick visits and she didn’t see anyone take photos or notes. She said they asked one investigator if he wanted to go in the house or look in the bags with dead cats, but he said no. Another investigator gave her a business card last Friday and asked her to send information. She said she gathered photos along with information from a frustrated neighbour and emailed them Wednesday evening.
Lincoln County Humane Society executive director Kevin Strooband said investigators don’t have the evidence to support a cruelty charge with what they have. Even with dead cats, skeletons don’t provide evidence of lack of food or water.
He said ownership is another issue in the case. The property had become a dumping ground for cats. The person who moved away from the property continued to feed cats there for a long time, including very recently. Caretakers have a level of responsibility but he said she was taking care of them the best she could.
“We were working hard to help out the situation but it didn’t come to fruition as far as charges went.”
kwalter@postmedia.com
Beamsville cat adoption this weekend
What: More than 30 of the kittens rescued from a property on Merritt Road are up for adoption this coming weekend, along with a few adult felines. They are short and long-haired, every colour.
When: Saturday Aug. 12 and Sunday Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: PetValu in Grimsby, 42 St. Andrews Ave.
Cost: $50
Details: All have received their shots, SNAP tests, full blood work and clean bills of health from veterinarians. Pam Huson of Beamsville4Paw Rescue said they’re even litter trained.
Can’t make it? People can make an appointment with Beamsville4Paw Rescue any day of the week to meet the cats in their foster homes.
More information: See Beamsville4PawRescue or call 289-447-1108.
Beamsville cat investigation stalled | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun
By Jane Stevenson, Toronto Sun
First posted: Wednesday, August 09, 2017 01:32 PM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 09, 2017 01:35 PM EDT
Police are investigating the horrific discovery of decapitated animals along Lake Ontario in Pickering.
Durham Regional Police say several chickens and a goat were found without heads on Monday morning by residents in the Beachpoint Promenade and West Shore Blvd. area.
“We’re trying to find out why they ended up there and how,” Const. George Tudos said Wednesday.
“It’s obviously not something we find on a regular basis. So yeah, it’s a little bit bizarre. We’re trying to figure out the motive behind it. (The remains) were seen by many people.”
In some parts of the world, animals like chickens or goats can be used for sacrifice in the practice of the Afro-Caribbean religion Santeria (and later eaten), but Tudos said there was no evidence of that in this case.
“Not that I’m aware of,” he said. “It could be but we don’t have any information as to who put (those animals) there.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at 1-888-579-1520 ext 2542 or Crime Stoppers.
jstevenson@postmedia.com
Decapitated goat, chickens found along Lake Ontario in Pickering | Toronto & GTA
Beamsville cat investigation stalled
By Karena Walter, The Standard
First posted: Wednesday, August 09, 2017 07:27 PM EDT | Updated: Thursday, August 10, 2017 11:26 AM EDT
The Ontario SPCA says it can’t move forward with an investigation on a Beamsville property where animal rescue agencies say they’ve rescued more than 100 cats and found dozens more dead.
Ontario SPCA spokeswoman Alison Cross said the agency will not be laying charges at the Merritt Road property due to lack of evidence.
Cross said the agency can’t confirm claims by the rescue groups that a large number of animals lived there and hasn’t been provided evidence by the groups — something the volunteers at the site dispute.
“These groups are actively speaking to the media and promoting ways the public can support their efforts for these animals,” Cross said in a statement. “However even after months of our officers attending the property, the society has yet to see evidence of these numbers of animals.”
Cross said the society has asked multiple times and the groups have yet to provide them with evidence.
“It is very unfortunate that these groups have chosen to speak to the media and promote themselves rather than work with the authorities. As a result, due to their lack of co-operation and not sharing the information they alleged they have, we cannot move any further in our investigation and charges will not be laid.”
But Beamsville4Paw Rescue’s Katelyn Hodgson said photo evidence from the property was sent to an OPSA investigator by email. As well, members of Beamsville4Paw rescue have spoken to investigators in person at the property and invited them to see bags of dead cats.
“What do you need us to do to co-operate, because we thought we were co-operating,” Hodgson said.
Hodgson said volunteers found barrels on the property full of carcasses. They didn’t open all of them because they wanted the OSPCA to see them first-hand so they wouldn’t be tampering with the evidence. It’s not known how the cats died.
They’ve also been posting photos on their Facebook page.
“We weren’t hiding anything. Everything is public, out in the open.”
She said the only response they’ve received from the OSPCA is what they read in news articles.
Hodgson said it’s frustrating because volunteers like Beamsville4Paw owner Pam Huson have been trying so hard to help the cats at the site.
Huson said in an earlier interview the volunteer group has taken in 58 cats from the property plus another 20 picked up from Merritt Road by the Welland SPCA. Another 30 were taken in by Project Save-a-Cat’s Life.
Some of the cats, including more than 30 kittens, will go up for adoption Saturday and Sunday at Grimsby’s PetValu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
“I’m absolutely shocked,” said Dinah Nichol, a volunteer with Project Save-a-Cat’s Life after hearing the OSPCA’S response.
Nichol, a teaching assistant at Brock University, has been on the property every day for three-and-a-half weeks trapping cats and finding bodies with other volunteers.
“If they have been on the property they can attest to the numbers because they’re not feral,” Nichol said. “I’m a stranger to the property and when I walked out there were 40 cats coming at me. They easily would have seen the same thing.”
Nichol said when she did see OSPCA investigators on the property, they were quick visits and she didn’t see anyone take photos or notes. She said they asked one investigator if he wanted to go in the house or look in the bags with dead cats, but he said no. Another investigator gave her a business card last Friday and asked her to send information. She said she gathered photos along with information from a frustrated neighbour and emailed them Wednesday evening.
Lincoln County Humane Society executive director Kevin Strooband said investigators don’t have the evidence to support a cruelty charge with what they have. Even with dead cats, skeletons don’t provide evidence of lack of food or water.
He said ownership is another issue in the case. The property had become a dumping ground for cats. The person who moved away from the property continued to feed cats there for a long time, including very recently. Caretakers have a level of responsibility but he said she was taking care of them the best she could.
“We were working hard to help out the situation but it didn’t come to fruition as far as charges went.”
kwalter@postmedia.com
Beamsville cat adoption this weekend
What: More than 30 of the kittens rescued from a property on Merritt Road are up for adoption this coming weekend, along with a few adult felines. They are short and long-haired, every colour.
When: Saturday Aug. 12 and Sunday Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: PetValu in Grimsby, 42 St. Andrews Ave.
Cost: $50
Details: All have received their shots, SNAP tests, full blood work and clean bills of health from veterinarians. Pam Huson of Beamsville4Paw Rescue said they’re even litter trained.
Can’t make it? People can make an appointment with Beamsville4Paw Rescue any day of the week to meet the cats in their foster homes.
More information: See Beamsville4PawRescue or call 289-447-1108.
Beamsville cat investigation stalled | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun
Woman charged with abuse of dog on TTC
By Kevin Connor, Toronto Sun
First posted: Thursday, August 10, 2017 09:06 AM EDT | Updated: Thursday, August 10, 2017 12:31 PM EDT
TORONTO - A woman has now been charged after a video went viral of a tiny dog being mistreated on a TTC subway.
The Ontario SPCA said Thursday that a 37-year-old Toronto woman faces one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Criminal Code and one count of causing distress to an animal under the Ontario SPCA Act.
The video, filmed Aug. 4 around 4:20 p.m. at St. George station, shows a woman “beating and mistreating her Chinese Crested-type dog,” the OSPCA said.
“You hear me? Stop it, stop it right now,” the woman yells at the dog, which is on a leash and is seen trying to move away.
“You’ve got to stop hitting your dog,” a man is seen saying to the woman when the train is stopped and the emergency alarm is going off.
“Stop what? Pardon?” the woman says to the man before hurling expletives.
Toronto Police were called and the dog was originally left in the care of the woman.
Animal cruelty officials opened an investigation Aug. 5 after receiving the video from Toronto Police. The OSPCA obtained a warrant and removed the dog from the owner.
It has been checked by a veterinarian and is doing fine, but the dog isn’t up for adoption, officials say.
“The dog will remain in our care as this case goes through the court process,” senior inspector Bonnie Bishop said.
“We are grateful for the public coming forward with this evidence that allowed us to conduct this investigation,” OSPCA chief inspector Connie Mallory said. “The public must remember that video evidence is only one part of an investigation. A full investigation into the matter is what allowed us the opportunity under the law to remove the dog and lay these charges. ”
Teresa Rutledge is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice at 1911 Eglinton Ave. E. on Oct. 11.
To report animal cruelty, call the OSPCA provincewide dispatch centre at 310-SPCA (7722).
kconnor@postmedia.com
Woman charged with abuse of dog on TTC | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
Burned raccoon in critical condition
By Cheryl Browne, Barrie Examiner
First posted: Thursday, August 10, 2017 04:23 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 11, 2017 10:08 AM EDT
BARRIE - A baby raccoon is clinging to life in a shelter after she was severely burned with a flammable liquid in Barrie.
The Barrie woman who found the raccoon near Huronia North Park just north of Big Bay Point Road on Sunday, brought her to the Procyon Wildlife Centre in Beeton.
“We have never come across anything more horrific in all our years,” said Debra Spilar, one of the directors at the decade-old wildlife sanctuary.
“We’ve got 120 volunteers and every one of them has shed tears after seeing this little guy,” she added.
Spilar said the three or four-month-old raccoon, they believe is female, suffered severe burns similar to those from a flammable liquid on one side of her body, her face and head, eye and inside her mouth.
She has survived in an isolation room since her arrival, said Spilar, but she is still in critical condition.
“She’s on heavy pain medication, antibiotics and an ointment for the burns,” she said.
If the raccoon survives, the shelter expects to house her for up to one year.
Barrie police Const. Sarah Bamford said officers are continuing to investigate the incident and expect to lay animal cruelty charges.
Bamford said the Fur-Bearers, a non-profit Vancouver based wildlife sanctuary, heard about the incident and has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a person responsible for the burns.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Barrie police service at 705-725-7025, ext. 2926, Barrie Police Service | Barrie Police Service or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at http://tipsubmit.com.
To donate to the raccoon’s care, visit http://procyonwildlife.com.
CBrowne@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/cherylbrowne1
A $1,000 reward has been offered to determine who threw a flammable substance on a raccoon located near Huronia North Park in Barrie on Sunday. (SUBMITTED)
Burned raccoon in critical condition | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun
By Kevin Connor, Toronto Sun
First posted: Thursday, August 10, 2017 09:06 AM EDT | Updated: Thursday, August 10, 2017 12:31 PM EDT
TORONTO - A woman has now been charged after a video went viral of a tiny dog being mistreated on a TTC subway.
The Ontario SPCA said Thursday that a 37-year-old Toronto woman faces one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Criminal Code and one count of causing distress to an animal under the Ontario SPCA Act.
The video, filmed Aug. 4 around 4:20 p.m. at St. George station, shows a woman “beating and mistreating her Chinese Crested-type dog,” the OSPCA said.
“You hear me? Stop it, stop it right now,” the woman yells at the dog, which is on a leash and is seen trying to move away.
“You’ve got to stop hitting your dog,” a man is seen saying to the woman when the train is stopped and the emergency alarm is going off.
“Stop what? Pardon?” the woman says to the man before hurling expletives.
Toronto Police were called and the dog was originally left in the care of the woman.
Animal cruelty officials opened an investigation Aug. 5 after receiving the video from Toronto Police. The OSPCA obtained a warrant and removed the dog from the owner.
It has been checked by a veterinarian and is doing fine, but the dog isn’t up for adoption, officials say.
“The dog will remain in our care as this case goes through the court process,” senior inspector Bonnie Bishop said.
“We are grateful for the public coming forward with this evidence that allowed us to conduct this investigation,” OSPCA chief inspector Connie Mallory said. “The public must remember that video evidence is only one part of an investigation. A full investigation into the matter is what allowed us the opportunity under the law to remove the dog and lay these charges. ”
Teresa Rutledge is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice at 1911 Eglinton Ave. E. on Oct. 11.
To report animal cruelty, call the OSPCA provincewide dispatch centre at 310-SPCA (7722).
kconnor@postmedia.com
Woman charged with abuse of dog on TTC | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun
Burned raccoon in critical condition
By Cheryl Browne, Barrie Examiner
First posted: Thursday, August 10, 2017 04:23 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 11, 2017 10:08 AM EDT
BARRIE - A baby raccoon is clinging to life in a shelter after she was severely burned with a flammable liquid in Barrie.
The Barrie woman who found the raccoon near Huronia North Park just north of Big Bay Point Road on Sunday, brought her to the Procyon Wildlife Centre in Beeton.
“We have never come across anything more horrific in all our years,” said Debra Spilar, one of the directors at the decade-old wildlife sanctuary.
“We’ve got 120 volunteers and every one of them has shed tears after seeing this little guy,” she added.
Spilar said the three or four-month-old raccoon, they believe is female, suffered severe burns similar to those from a flammable liquid on one side of her body, her face and head, eye and inside her mouth.
She has survived in an isolation room since her arrival, said Spilar, but she is still in critical condition.
“She’s on heavy pain medication, antibiotics and an ointment for the burns,” she said.
If the raccoon survives, the shelter expects to house her for up to one year.
Barrie police Const. Sarah Bamford said officers are continuing to investigate the incident and expect to lay animal cruelty charges.
Bamford said the Fur-Bearers, a non-profit Vancouver based wildlife sanctuary, heard about the incident and has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a person responsible for the burns.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Barrie police service at 705-725-7025, ext. 2926, Barrie Police Service | Barrie Police Service or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at http://tipsubmit.com.
To donate to the raccoon’s care, visit http://procyonwildlife.com.
CBrowne@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/cherylbrowne1
A $1,000 reward has been offered to determine who threw a flammable substance on a raccoon located near Huronia North Park in Barrie on Sunday. (SUBMITTED)
Burned raccoon in critical condition | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun
Man who tossed his dog from balcony pleads guilty
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Monday, August 14, 2017 06:37 PM EDT | Updated: Monday, August 14, 2017 06:41 PM EDT
NEW YORK — A man who hurled his dog to its death from a New York City balcony has pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty.
Yuk Cheung is expecting a sentence of 45 days in jail and five years of probation. He also will have to register on a city animal-abuser list.
Court records show the 35-year-old Cheung entered the plea last week. His lawyer hasn’t returned a phone call placed Monday seeking comment.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown says Cheung threw the 12-year-old pug from a seventh-floor balcony in March while arguing with his ex-girlfriend about the dog. Cheung had left the dog with her.
Prosecutors say Cheung claimed the dog leaped out of his arms but investigators determined it had been thrown.
Man who tossed his dog from balcony pleads guilty | World | News | Toronto Sun
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Monday, August 14, 2017 06:37 PM EDT | Updated: Monday, August 14, 2017 06:41 PM EDT
NEW YORK — A man who hurled his dog to its death from a New York City balcony has pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty.
Yuk Cheung is expecting a sentence of 45 days in jail and five years of probation. He also will have to register on a city animal-abuser list.
Court records show the 35-year-old Cheung entered the plea last week. His lawyer hasn’t returned a phone call placed Monday seeking comment.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown says Cheung threw the 12-year-old pug from a seventh-floor balcony in March while arguing with his ex-girlfriend about the dog. Cheung had left the dog with her.
Prosecutors say Cheung claimed the dog leaped out of his arms but investigators determined it had been thrown.
Man who tossed his dog from balcony pleads guilty | World | News | Toronto Sun
Animal rights protesters confront accused dog dragger at Strathmore court
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Tuesday, August 15, 2017 07:02 PM EDT
STRATHMORE — A woman charged after a critically injured dog was found tied to a car was confronted by animal-rights protesters when she made her first court appearance Tuesday.
Melinda Harris, 40, is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
On July 2, a police officer was stopped by a driver who had seen a dog on a leash being dragged behind a black car on a highway east of Calgary.
The car, with the injured dog tied to it, was found in a field later that day. Police said the dog was suffering from injuries consistent with having been dragged. RCMP took the dog, believed to be a border collie cross, to an emergency veterinary clinic but the animal had to be euthanized.
Heather Anderson from the Daisy Foundation, a group that fights for stiffer penalties for animal abusers, confronted a smiling Harris outside of the Strathmore courthouse, east of Calgary, during a break.
"How can you be joking? Your dog just died. I don't find anything funny about this," Anderson said. "I want to know why the dog didn't end up at a vet."
Harris replied that it wasn't her fault and said her boyfriend had tied the dog to the hitch of her car.
"I drove away to get gas," Harris said.
Her car ran out of gas and she left on foot to get help, she said.
"He was in pain and I knew he was dying and I ran for help," Harris said.
"Shut up. I didn't tie my dog up and I wouldn't never had done that to my dog. Am I laughing about my dog? No, I'm crying every day."
Harris waited most of the day for her name to be called in court. She was told that the Crown was amending the charge against her but it wasn't clear what the new charge will be.
Harris, who now lives in Mackenzie, B.C., has been ordered to return to court Sept. 5.
RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for True Underwood, 20, who is also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Anderson founded the Daisy Foundation in 2006 after a 19-year-old man was charged with animal cruelty when a dog named Daisy Duke was dragged up and down the street in Didsbury.
"It really reminded me of Daisy Duke and when she got killed. Dragged behind the vehicle by someone who was supposed to love her. It was way too familiar for me," Anderson said outside of court.
"Obviously, the poor thing died and he suffered. It's pretty sad."
Melinda Harris sits outside a Provincial Courthouse prior to facing charges of Causing Unnecessary Suffering to an Animal, regarding a July 2nd incident of a leashed dog being dragged by a vehicle resulting in its death, in Strathmore, Alta. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal
Animal rights protesters confront accused dog dragger at Strathmore court | Cana
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Tuesday, August 15, 2017 07:02 PM EDT
STRATHMORE — A woman charged after a critically injured dog was found tied to a car was confronted by animal-rights protesters when she made her first court appearance Tuesday.
Melinda Harris, 40, is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
On July 2, a police officer was stopped by a driver who had seen a dog on a leash being dragged behind a black car on a highway east of Calgary.
The car, with the injured dog tied to it, was found in a field later that day. Police said the dog was suffering from injuries consistent with having been dragged. RCMP took the dog, believed to be a border collie cross, to an emergency veterinary clinic but the animal had to be euthanized.
Heather Anderson from the Daisy Foundation, a group that fights for stiffer penalties for animal abusers, confronted a smiling Harris outside of the Strathmore courthouse, east of Calgary, during a break.
"How can you be joking? Your dog just died. I don't find anything funny about this," Anderson said. "I want to know why the dog didn't end up at a vet."
Harris replied that it wasn't her fault and said her boyfriend had tied the dog to the hitch of her car.
"I drove away to get gas," Harris said.
Her car ran out of gas and she left on foot to get help, she said.
"He was in pain and I knew he was dying and I ran for help," Harris said.
"Shut up. I didn't tie my dog up and I wouldn't never had done that to my dog. Am I laughing about my dog? No, I'm crying every day."
Harris waited most of the day for her name to be called in court. She was told that the Crown was amending the charge against her but it wasn't clear what the new charge will be.
Harris, who now lives in Mackenzie, B.C., has been ordered to return to court Sept. 5.
RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for True Underwood, 20, who is also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Anderson founded the Daisy Foundation in 2006 after a 19-year-old man was charged with animal cruelty when a dog named Daisy Duke was dragged up and down the street in Didsbury.
"It really reminded me of Daisy Duke and when she got killed. Dragged behind the vehicle by someone who was supposed to love her. It was way too familiar for me," Anderson said outside of court.
"Obviously, the poor thing died and he suffered. It's pretty sad."
Melinda Harris sits outside a Provincial Courthouse prior to facing charges of Causing Unnecessary Suffering to an Animal, regarding a July 2nd incident of a leashed dog being dragged by a vehicle resulting in its death, in Strathmore, Alta. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal
Animal rights protesters confront accused dog dragger at Strathmore court | Cana
Selfie seeking sickos kill baby dolphin in Spain
By Brad Hunter, Toronto Sun
First posted: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 12:10 PM EDT | Updated: Thursday, August 17, 2017 08:53 AM EDT
A baby dolphin — who became separated from her mother — died after selfie-seeking sickos pulled it from the sea for photos.
The outrage took place on a tourist-packed beach in southern Spain, animal rescue group Equinac said in a statement.
According to the group, the baby dolphin was still of breastfeeding age and had become stranded in shallow waters.
“Humans are the most irrational animal there is,” the group stated.
“Many people are unable to feel empathy for a living being which is frightened, starving hungry, without its mother and terrified. In their selfishness, all they want is to photograph it and touch it, even if the animal is suffering from stress.”
The hedonistic headcases pulled the mammal out of the water and began stroking it and passing it around, snapping away and posing.
Kids accidentally covered its blowhole, making it difficult for her to breathe.
Animal rescuers from Equinac tried to save the dolphin and one is pictured carrying her out of the water, but it was too late.
The organization said the lifeguard “lost his nerve when he saw hundreds of people rushing towards the animal”.
“The animal was submitted to the curiosity of those who wanted to photograph and touch it. The photographs showed children touching the animal, unintentionally covering the spiracle (blowhole),” Equinac said, adding, “it’s not an animal for children or adults to caress.”
Dolphins can be “very susceptible to stress” and the crowding and touching likely triggered shock that killed her.
“We’re not saying that the bathers were responsible for it becoming stranded,” Equinac said. “But crowding round to photograph and touch it, of course, causes these animals to become extremely stressed.”
bhunter@postmedia.com
A baby dolphin died, possibly from stress, after kids and others passed the mammal around while posing for photos on a beach in southern Spain. (Photo posted by Equinac on Facebook)
Selfie seeking sickos kill baby dolphin in Spain | World | News | Toronto Sun
Family settles with PETA after removal, death of girl's dog
Ben Finley, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 05:36 PM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 05:41 PM EDT
NORFOLK, Va. — A family has settled a lawsuit against the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for taking a girl’s unattended dog and euthanizing it, ending an attempt to effectively put PETA on trial for euthanizing hundreds of animals each year.
The agreement was confirmed Wednesday by PETA and the family’s attorney. The settlement dims what could have been a very public spotlight on the international animal rights organization and its controversial animal shelter in Virginia.
Wilber Zarate had sued PETA for taking his daughter’s Chihuahua from a mobile home park on the state’s Eastern Shore and putting it down before the end of a required five-day grace period.
Zarate had alleged that PETA operates under a broad policy of euthanizing animals, including healthy ones, because it “considers pet ownership to be a form of involuntary bondage.”
PETA denied the allegations and maintains the 2014 incident was a “terrible mistake.”
Two women affiliated with PETA, Victoria Carey and Jennifer Wood, travelled to Accomack, Virginia, because they said a mobile home park owner asked for help capturing wild dogs and feral cats.
The women removed an unattended and unleashed Chihuahua named Maya, which was a Christmas president to 9-year-old Cynthia Zarate.
Maya was put down later that day, a violation of a state law that requires a five-day grace period. PETA was fined $500 for the violation.
“The Zarate’s felt that the settlement reflects the grievous loss of their beloved Maya,” said the family’s attorney, William H. Shewmake. “And it allows the Zarates to bring some closure to a very painful chapter of their lives. They’re glad the case has been settled.”
A trial was scheduled for September, during which Zarate’s attorneys had planned to question current and former PETA employees about its euthanasia policy.
PETA said it will pay the family $49,000 and donate $2,000 to a local SPCA to honour Maya. The family had sought up to $7 million.
“PETA again apologizes and expresses its regrets to the Zarate family for the loss of their dog Maya,” both parties said in a joint statement. “Mr. Zarate acknowledges that this was an unfortunate mistake by PETA and the individuals involved, with no ill-will toward the Zarate family.”
PETA is mostly known for campaigns against factory farming and animal testing, often exposing unsavoury practices through undercover operations. But it also runs a shelter at its headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia.
The shelter routinely dispatches veterinarians to care for local animals — but is also euthanizes ones that PETA deems too sick, aggressive or feral for adoption.
PETA has said the animals it puts down are often turned away by other shelters. And it said many pets are brought in by low-income owners who can’t afford to care for their elderly or sick animals.
The organization said it helps as many as 25,000 animals a year, spaying and neutering many for free. But the shelter’s euthanasia rate— it put down more than 1,400 of about 2,000 animals in 2016 — has drawn criticism from some in the so-called “no kill” shelter movement.
The rate fueled the family’s lawsuit, which PETA claimed was driven by “no kill” activists.
Shelters that call themselves “no kill” typically will only put down animals with incurable health problems or behaviours that pose a serious safety risk. But in some cases, they’ll place animals on waiting lists if they lack space or refer animals to other shelters.
PETA says its euthanasia rate is partly the result of accepting animals that other shelters decline.
“We’re never going to be the folks who turn animals away,” Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA’s senior vice-president for cruelty investigations said. “If you saw those animals, there would be nothing controversial about it.”
Family settles with PETA after removal, death of girl's dog | World | News | Tor
300 tons of marine animal remains found on ship near the Galapagos
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 08:09 PM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 08:16 PM EDT
QUITO, Ecuador — Authorities in Ecuador have detained 20 Chinese crewmembers on a ship found near the Galapagos holding 300 tons of frozen marine animals — some from species in danger of extinction.
Ecuador’s navy stopped the ship Sunday near San Cristobal, the easternmost island of the Galapagos archipelago treasured for its unique animal species.
Environment Minister Tarsicio Granizo says a large portion of the animal parts found aboard the ship consisted of frozen shark fins. Endangered hammerhead shark remains were also discovered. Shark fin soup is a Chinese delicacy.
The Galapagos Marine Reserve is among the world’s largest and designed to protect the region’s substantial number of sharks and other marine life.
It was not immediately clear whether the sharks were caught in the reserve.
Ecuador’s navy was guarding the ship Wednesday.
In this Aug. 13, 2017 handout photo provided by Galapagos National Park a park ranger takes part in the inspection of a Chinese flag ship where 300 tons of marine species, several of them in danger of extinction, were found, in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The ship and its crew have been detained. (Galapagos National Park via AP)
300 tons of marine animal remains found on ship near the Galapagos | World | New
By Brad Hunter, Toronto Sun
First posted: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 12:10 PM EDT | Updated: Thursday, August 17, 2017 08:53 AM EDT
A baby dolphin — who became separated from her mother — died after selfie-seeking sickos pulled it from the sea for photos.
The outrage took place on a tourist-packed beach in southern Spain, animal rescue group Equinac said in a statement.
According to the group, the baby dolphin was still of breastfeeding age and had become stranded in shallow waters.
“Humans are the most irrational animal there is,” the group stated.
“Many people are unable to feel empathy for a living being which is frightened, starving hungry, without its mother and terrified. In their selfishness, all they want is to photograph it and touch it, even if the animal is suffering from stress.”
The hedonistic headcases pulled the mammal out of the water and began stroking it and passing it around, snapping away and posing.
Kids accidentally covered its blowhole, making it difficult for her to breathe.
Animal rescuers from Equinac tried to save the dolphin and one is pictured carrying her out of the water, but it was too late.
The organization said the lifeguard “lost his nerve when he saw hundreds of people rushing towards the animal”.
“The animal was submitted to the curiosity of those who wanted to photograph and touch it. The photographs showed children touching the animal, unintentionally covering the spiracle (blowhole),” Equinac said, adding, “it’s not an animal for children or adults to caress.”
Dolphins can be “very susceptible to stress” and the crowding and touching likely triggered shock that killed her.
“We’re not saying that the bathers were responsible for it becoming stranded,” Equinac said. “But crowding round to photograph and touch it, of course, causes these animals to become extremely stressed.”
bhunter@postmedia.com
A baby dolphin died, possibly from stress, after kids and others passed the mammal around while posing for photos on a beach in southern Spain. (Photo posted by Equinac on Facebook)
Selfie seeking sickos kill baby dolphin in Spain | World | News | Toronto Sun
Family settles with PETA after removal, death of girl's dog
Ben Finley, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 05:36 PM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 05:41 PM EDT
NORFOLK, Va. — A family has settled a lawsuit against the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for taking a girl’s unattended dog and euthanizing it, ending an attempt to effectively put PETA on trial for euthanizing hundreds of animals each year.
The agreement was confirmed Wednesday by PETA and the family’s attorney. The settlement dims what could have been a very public spotlight on the international animal rights organization and its controversial animal shelter in Virginia.
Wilber Zarate had sued PETA for taking his daughter’s Chihuahua from a mobile home park on the state’s Eastern Shore and putting it down before the end of a required five-day grace period.
Zarate had alleged that PETA operates under a broad policy of euthanizing animals, including healthy ones, because it “considers pet ownership to be a form of involuntary bondage.”
PETA denied the allegations and maintains the 2014 incident was a “terrible mistake.”
Two women affiliated with PETA, Victoria Carey and Jennifer Wood, travelled to Accomack, Virginia, because they said a mobile home park owner asked for help capturing wild dogs and feral cats.
The women removed an unattended and unleashed Chihuahua named Maya, which was a Christmas president to 9-year-old Cynthia Zarate.
Maya was put down later that day, a violation of a state law that requires a five-day grace period. PETA was fined $500 for the violation.
“The Zarate’s felt that the settlement reflects the grievous loss of their beloved Maya,” said the family’s attorney, William H. Shewmake. “And it allows the Zarates to bring some closure to a very painful chapter of their lives. They’re glad the case has been settled.”
A trial was scheduled for September, during which Zarate’s attorneys had planned to question current and former PETA employees about its euthanasia policy.
PETA said it will pay the family $49,000 and donate $2,000 to a local SPCA to honour Maya. The family had sought up to $7 million.
“PETA again apologizes and expresses its regrets to the Zarate family for the loss of their dog Maya,” both parties said in a joint statement. “Mr. Zarate acknowledges that this was an unfortunate mistake by PETA and the individuals involved, with no ill-will toward the Zarate family.”
PETA is mostly known for campaigns against factory farming and animal testing, often exposing unsavoury practices through undercover operations. But it also runs a shelter at its headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia.
The shelter routinely dispatches veterinarians to care for local animals — but is also euthanizes ones that PETA deems too sick, aggressive or feral for adoption.
PETA has said the animals it puts down are often turned away by other shelters. And it said many pets are brought in by low-income owners who can’t afford to care for their elderly or sick animals.
The organization said it helps as many as 25,000 animals a year, spaying and neutering many for free. But the shelter’s euthanasia rate— it put down more than 1,400 of about 2,000 animals in 2016 — has drawn criticism from some in the so-called “no kill” shelter movement.
The rate fueled the family’s lawsuit, which PETA claimed was driven by “no kill” activists.
Shelters that call themselves “no kill” typically will only put down animals with incurable health problems or behaviours that pose a serious safety risk. But in some cases, they’ll place animals on waiting lists if they lack space or refer animals to other shelters.
PETA says its euthanasia rate is partly the result of accepting animals that other shelters decline.
“We’re never going to be the folks who turn animals away,” Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA’s senior vice-president for cruelty investigations said. “If you saw those animals, there would be nothing controversial about it.”
Family settles with PETA after removal, death of girl's dog | World | News | Tor
300 tons of marine animal remains found on ship near the Galapagos
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 08:09 PM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 08:16 PM EDT
QUITO, Ecuador — Authorities in Ecuador have detained 20 Chinese crewmembers on a ship found near the Galapagos holding 300 tons of frozen marine animals — some from species in danger of extinction.
Ecuador’s navy stopped the ship Sunday near San Cristobal, the easternmost island of the Galapagos archipelago treasured for its unique animal species.
Environment Minister Tarsicio Granizo says a large portion of the animal parts found aboard the ship consisted of frozen shark fins. Endangered hammerhead shark remains were also discovered. Shark fin soup is a Chinese delicacy.
The Galapagos Marine Reserve is among the world’s largest and designed to protect the region’s substantial number of sharks and other marine life.
It was not immediately clear whether the sharks were caught in the reserve.
Ecuador’s navy was guarding the ship Wednesday.
In this Aug. 13, 2017 handout photo provided by Galapagos National Park a park ranger takes part in the inspection of a Chinese flag ship where 300 tons of marine species, several of them in danger of extinction, were found, in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The ship and its crew have been detained. (Galapagos National Park via AP)
300 tons of marine animal remains found on ship near the Galapagos | World | New
Ontario man allegedly snaps photo holding duck by neck, charged with cruelty
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 11:08 AM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 11:14 AM EDT
BARRIE - A 34-year-old Barrie man faces an animal cruelty charge after police allege he grabbed a duck by its neck and snapped a photograph with it.
Barrie police say marine officers spotted suspicious behaviour by two men while on patrol near Johnson’s Beach around 5 p.m. Sunday.
They say officers found two men allegedly drinking alcohol while one held a duck by its throat for a photograph.
Police allege one man gave a fake name before giving his real name, and turned out to be wanted on multiple warrants in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The man was charged with cruelty to animals, obstructing a police officer and failure to comply with recognizance.
Police say the duck wasn’t hurt in the incident.
Ontario man allegedly snaps photo holding duck by neck, charged with cruelty | O
Police investigate discovery of several dismembered animals found in Kitchener
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 11:13 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 11:16 AM EDT
KITCHENER - Waterloo regional police is investigating the discovery of several dismembered animals around Kitchener, over the last three months.
Investigators say parts of four cats and three unidentified animals have been found in public locations in the city since June.
They say parts of two cats were found by the public in June, another dismembered cat was found on July 11 and parts of a fourth cat were discovered on Aug. 8. Police are working to identify parts of three other animals.
Spokeswoman Cherri Greeno says the cases may be linked because the dismembered animals were all found in close proximity to each other and the incidents are similar in nature.
She says the cases are disturbing and alarming and police want the public to help with the investigation, which she said is also being examined by the local humane society.
Greeno says police are also asking residents to keep an eye on their pets and bring them indoors at night.
Police investigate discovery of several dismembered animals found in Kitchener |
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 11:08 AM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 11:14 AM EDT
BARRIE - A 34-year-old Barrie man faces an animal cruelty charge after police allege he grabbed a duck by its neck and snapped a photograph with it.
Barrie police say marine officers spotted suspicious behaviour by two men while on patrol near Johnson’s Beach around 5 p.m. Sunday.
They say officers found two men allegedly drinking alcohol while one held a duck by its throat for a photograph.
Police allege one man gave a fake name before giving his real name, and turned out to be wanted on multiple warrants in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The man was charged with cruelty to animals, obstructing a police officer and failure to comply with recognizance.
Police say the duck wasn’t hurt in the incident.
Ontario man allegedly snaps photo holding duck by neck, charged with cruelty | O
Police investigate discovery of several dismembered animals found in Kitchener
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 11:13 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 11:16 AM EDT
KITCHENER - Waterloo regional police is investigating the discovery of several dismembered animals around Kitchener, over the last three months.
Investigators say parts of four cats and three unidentified animals have been found in public locations in the city since June.
They say parts of two cats were found by the public in June, another dismembered cat was found on July 11 and parts of a fourth cat were discovered on Aug. 8. Police are working to identify parts of three other animals.
Spokeswoman Cherri Greeno says the cases may be linked because the dismembered animals were all found in close proximity to each other and the incidents are similar in nature.
She says the cases are disturbing and alarming and police want the public to help with the investigation, which she said is also being examined by the local humane society.
Greeno says police are also asking residents to keep an eye on their pets and bring them indoors at night.
Police investigate discovery of several dismembered animals found in Kitchener |
Ontario man pleads guilty to animal cruelty for role in alleged dogfighting ring
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Friday, August 25, 2017 01:41 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 25, 2017 01:48 PM EDT
Ontario’s animal welfare agency says a man has pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty for his role in an alleged dogfighting ring.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says Robert Tomlin, 33, entered the plea Thursday in a Chatham court and was sentenced to four months house arrest, 24 months probation and a lifetime ban on owning animals.
The case garnered considerable attention after the OSPCA applied to a court to euthanize 21 of the dogs that were seized from a Tilbury property in Oct. 2015 and initially deemed a menace to society.
Last month, a deal was struck to save the lives of 18 of those dogs after a second behavioural evaluation found they could be rehabilitated, which will be done at a facility in Florida.
Tomlin’s lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.
A defence lawyer for two other people charged in connection with the case says his clients have been ordered to stand trial on animal cruelty-, weapons- and drug-related charges.
Ontario man pleads guilty to animal cruelty for role in alleged dogfighting ring
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Friday, August 25, 2017 01:41 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, August 25, 2017 01:48 PM EDT
Ontario’s animal welfare agency says a man has pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty for his role in an alleged dogfighting ring.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says Robert Tomlin, 33, entered the plea Thursday in a Chatham court and was sentenced to four months house arrest, 24 months probation and a lifetime ban on owning animals.
The case garnered considerable attention after the OSPCA applied to a court to euthanize 21 of the dogs that were seized from a Tilbury property in Oct. 2015 and initially deemed a menace to society.
Last month, a deal was struck to save the lives of 18 of those dogs after a second behavioural evaluation found they could be rehabilitated, which will be done at a facility in Florida.
Tomlin’s lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.
A defence lawyer for two other people charged in connection with the case says his clients have been ordered to stand trial on animal cruelty-, weapons- and drug-related charges.
Ontario man pleads guilty to animal cruelty for role in alleged dogfighting ring
Nova Scotia man charged with drowning litter of kittens
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Thursday, September 14, 2017 11:05 AM EDT | Updated: Thursday, September 14, 2017 03:12 PM EDT
HALIFAX — Two Nova Scotians have been charged criminally in unrelated horrific animal death cases — a man who allegedly drowned a litter of kittens in a bucket, and a woman who allegedly left a dog to die in an abandoned car.
“These animals suffered a horrible death,” said Jo-Anne Landsburg, chief provincial inspector for the Nova Scotia SPCA, which announced charges in both cases on Thursday.
“The reasons both of these cases went to the Criminal Code as opposed to the Animal Protection Act is because of how severe these were.”
The SPCA said a Little Narrows, N.S., woman was charged after a dog was found dead in a vehicle in a Halifax parkade on May 25. No food or water was left for the dog, Landsburg said.
“It is our belief that the car was abandoned by the owner and the dog was left inside,” she said.
“The dog did not die of heat exhaustion that day. The dog was in that car, for it was probably weeks before it was actually found. It actually died from dehydration and starvation.”
The Little Narrows woman was scheduled to appear in court Thursday. She has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering or injury to an animal and failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care for it.
In the other case, the SPCA said it received a call in late July about “the possible disappearance of a litter of kittens,” and determined they had been drowned by their owner, an Aldershot man.
“It’s what we refer to as breathlessness — so when an animal is drowned, it’s basically the worst sensation you can ever come across is you know you’re about to die,” Landsburg said.
She recounted a case earlier this year in which a dead cat was found in a bag in an Annapolis Valley pond, but she said it was the first such mass kitten drowning she has seen.
“Maybe 40 years ago it was the norm that people would revert to on farms or whatever — they would fill a feedbag up, and put a litter of kittens in it and drown it. That’s not the way we do things today.”
The man is charged under the Criminal Code with wilfully and without lawful excuse killing kittens. He will be arraigned Oct. 24 in Kentville provincial court.
Landsburg said the SPCA offers spay and neuter programs at low cost, and also helps find homes for unwanted kittens.
“There’s lots of options out there so they don’t have to resort to this heinous crime,” said Landsburg.
Nova Scotia man charged with drowning litter of kittens | Canada | News | Toront
THE CANADIAN PRESS
First posted: Thursday, September 14, 2017 11:05 AM EDT | Updated: Thursday, September 14, 2017 03:12 PM EDT
HALIFAX — Two Nova Scotians have been charged criminally in unrelated horrific animal death cases — a man who allegedly drowned a litter of kittens in a bucket, and a woman who allegedly left a dog to die in an abandoned car.
“These animals suffered a horrible death,” said Jo-Anne Landsburg, chief provincial inspector for the Nova Scotia SPCA, which announced charges in both cases on Thursday.
“The reasons both of these cases went to the Criminal Code as opposed to the Animal Protection Act is because of how severe these were.”
The SPCA said a Little Narrows, N.S., woman was charged after a dog was found dead in a vehicle in a Halifax parkade on May 25. No food or water was left for the dog, Landsburg said.
“It is our belief that the car was abandoned by the owner and the dog was left inside,” she said.
“The dog did not die of heat exhaustion that day. The dog was in that car, for it was probably weeks before it was actually found. It actually died from dehydration and starvation.”
The Little Narrows woman was scheduled to appear in court Thursday. She has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering or injury to an animal and failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care for it.
In the other case, the SPCA said it received a call in late July about “the possible disappearance of a litter of kittens,” and determined they had been drowned by their owner, an Aldershot man.
“It’s what we refer to as breathlessness — so when an animal is drowned, it’s basically the worst sensation you can ever come across is you know you’re about to die,” Landsburg said.
She recounted a case earlier this year in which a dead cat was found in a bag in an Annapolis Valley pond, but she said it was the first such mass kitten drowning she has seen.
“Maybe 40 years ago it was the norm that people would revert to on farms or whatever — they would fill a feedbag up, and put a litter of kittens in it and drown it. That’s not the way we do things today.”
The man is charged under the Criminal Code with wilfully and without lawful excuse killing kittens. He will be arraigned Oct. 24 in Kentville provincial court.
Landsburg said the SPCA offers spay and neuter programs at low cost, and also helps find homes for unwanted kittens.
“There’s lots of options out there so they don’t have to resort to this heinous crime,” said Landsburg.
Nova Scotia man charged with drowning litter of kittens | Canada | News | Toront
Dog’s carcass dragged on Alabama highway
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 06:34 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 06:41 PM EDT
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Transportation says “appropriate action will be taken” after photos were posted to Facebook showing a department truck dragging a dog’s body on an interstate.
Alabama Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - AL.com reports April Bennett was driving with her 5-year-old son on Interstate 20 on Tuesday when she spotted the lifeless body of a dog, which she says appeared to be a German shepherd, being dragged behind the truck.
Bennett began taking pictures with her phone. She says when the driver saw her, he pulled off the highway. Bennett says she told a friend and police were notified.
ALDOT spokeswoman Linda Crockett acknowledged a department crew found a dead dog on the interstate. She apologized for the manner in which the dog was disposed and says the incident is being investigated.
http://twitter.com/WVTM13/status/910217212732100610
Driver captures images of dead dog being dragged by ALDOT truck
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 06:34 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 06:41 PM EDT
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Transportation says “appropriate action will be taken” after photos were posted to Facebook showing a department truck dragging a dog’s body on an interstate.
Alabama Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - AL.com reports April Bennett was driving with her 5-year-old son on Interstate 20 on Tuesday when she spotted the lifeless body of a dog, which she says appeared to be a German shepherd, being dragged behind the truck.
Bennett began taking pictures with her phone. She says when the driver saw her, he pulled off the highway. Bennett says she told a friend and police were notified.
ALDOT spokeswoman Linda Crockett acknowledged a department crew found a dead dog on the interstate. She apologized for the manner in which the dog was disposed and says the incident is being investigated.
http://twitter.com/WVTM13/status/910217212732100610
Driver captures images of dead dog being dragged by ALDOT truck