Ontario Provincial Police in northwestern Ontario have charged a 25-year-old man following an investigation into alleged animal cruelty and breach of court conditions.
The incident began at about 2 a.m. on Saturday, when the Nipigon OPP detachment received information that an individual might be breaching court-ordered release conditions.
“During the investigation, officers located two short-haired boxer breed dogs inside an unheated vehicle,” police said in a news release.
OPP said that the outside temperature was approximately -18 C at the time and officers determined the dogs had been left in the vehicle for more than two hours.
“The suspect was later located at a residence they had been ordered by the court not to attend,” said police.
As a result of the investigation, a man with no fixed address was charged cruelty to animals - causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
The accused was remanded into custody pending a future court date.
Dogs unharmed
Police confirmed the welfare of the animals involved.
“The dogs are being cared for by a local resident,” said OPP.
Police added that both dogs appeared unharmed.
OPP are asking anyone with information that can assist with this investigation to contact them at 1-888-310-1122.
Information regarding animal neglect or abuse can reported to the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-926-4625 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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