Animal cruelty charges laid after KLPS investigation

On Aug. 29, members of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service initiated an animal cruelty investigation after attending a rental unit within Kawartha Lakes.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased canine, a second canine in critical condition, and a feline in poor health. KLPS immediately contacted the Ontario SPCA, KLPS were able to remove the animals and ensured they received care and treatment from the OSPCA.

Through an extensive investigation conducted by the Uniform Branch, officers identified two suspects. Officers utilized investigative techniques and other evidence which contradicted information provided by the suspects during the investigation.

Police determined that the accused parties had left the Kawartha Lakes area and were subsequently located in Port Hope. The investigation revealed that the animals had allegedly been abandoned without adequate food, water, care, or suitable living conditions for approximately one month.

As a result of the investigation:

 On Sept. 20, a 38-year-old female of Port Hope was charged with:

• Cruelty to Animals – Causing Unnecessary Pain, Suffering or Injury, contrary to Section 445.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Fail to Provide Standards of Care, contrary to Section 49(1)(a)(i) of the PAWS Act
• Cause Distress to an Animal, contrary to Section 49(2)(1) of the PAWS Act
• Permit Distress to an Animal, contrary to Section 49(2)(2) of the PAWS Act

On Sept. 21, a 33-year-old male of Port Hope was charged with:

• Cruelty to Animals – Causing Unnecessary Pain, Suffering or Injury, contrary to Section 445.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Fail to Provide Standards of Care, contrary to Section 49(1)(a)(i) of the PAWS Act
• Cause Distress to an Animal, contrary to Section 49(2)(1) of the PAWS Act
• Permit Distress to an Animal, contrary to Section 49(2)(2) of the PAWS Act

The accused parties were released on an Undertaking with a court date.

The Kawartha Lakes Police Service would like to thank the Ontario SPCA for their assistance. The Kawartha Lakes Police Service remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, including animals that cannot advocate for themselves.