Two Port Hope residents are now facing animal cruelty charges after Kawartha Lakes police discovered a dead dog, a second dog in critical condition, and a cat in poor health at a rental unit in the City of Kawartha Lakes in August.
Police began investigating on August 29 when officers attended the rental unit and found the three animals.
Officers immediately contacted the Ontario SPCA and removed the surviving animals so the SPCA could provide care and treatment.
Police allege the animals had been abandoned for approximately one month without adequate food, water, care, or suitable living conditions.
Investigators subsequently identified two suspects and say evidence gathered during the investigation contradicted information the suspects had provided to police.
Police determined the two had left the Kawartha Lakes area and subsequently located them in Port Hope.
A 38-year-old Port Hope woman was charged on Sunday (September 20), and a 33-year-old Port Hope man was charged on Monday (September 21).
Each faces one Criminal Code charge of cruelty to animals by causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury, along with three charges under Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act: failing to provide standards of care, causing distress to an animal, and permitting distress to an animal.
The accused man and women were released on an undertaking with a court date. Police have not identified the accused or the date of their court appearance.
In a media relesae, police thanked the Ontario SPCA for its assistance.
“The Kawartha Lakes Police Service remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, including animals that cannot advocate for themselves,” the release states.
No update on the condition of the surviving animals was provided.
