Sudbury man charged with animal cruelty after video of pup being kicked circulates online

Police in Sudbury, Ont., have charged a 51-year-old man with animal cruelty after a video emerged online of a small black dog being kicked.

The video went viral Tuesday. The dog seen being kicked in the video has been removed from the home in question, according to police.

“The 51‑year‑old man has been charged with cruelty to animals under the Criminal Code of Canada,” police said in an update Wednesday morning.

“The dog is in a safe and secure environment at a local animal shelter, receiving appropriate attention and support.”

Released from custody

The accused has since been released from custody, police said, and he is now prohibited “from having the care or control of any animal, and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date to answer to the charge.”

In a news release Tuesday, police said they received a report about the incident on Feb. 14, “in which a man was seen kicking his dog. A video of the incident was later circulated online.”

“We understand how disturbing and upsetting this video has been for many in our community and beyond, and we want to assure the public that we are actively investigating the incident,” police said.

“The dog has since been removed from the individual’s care. Animal Welfare Services have been notified and are following up as part of the ongoing process.”

Flooded with 911 calls

Police said they are continuing to investigate. They went public with the story earlier Tuesday after getting flooded with 911 calls after the video made the rounds on social media.

“We are reminding community members to refrain from calling police unless they have first-hand information related to this incident,” police said.

The video shows a man opening the door for a smaller black dog, then kicking it once the pup walks inside.

‘Vigilantism’ not acceptable

The online reaction to the incident has been strong. Sudbury police spokesperson Sarah Kaelas said they are aware of “vigilante-style” comments that have been made on social media.

“The Greater Sudbury Police Service does not tolerate or condone any form of violence,” Kaelas said in an email.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and reviewing public comments. Vigilantism is neither acceptable nor encouraged. Please allow the Greater Sudbury Police Service to manage the situation as we continue our thorough and ongoing investigation.”

Jill Pessot of Petsave in Sudbury said people are frustrated about the lack of action when it comes to animal abuse.

“That’s where you’re seeing it explode on to social media now, because it’s boiling over the frustration of watching this abuse week after week, and it seems like nothing’s being done,” Pessot said.

“So we definitely, in the north, have had some pretty horrific cases ourselves in the past year. I’ve dealt with quite a few that really should have resulted in charges. Animals literally died as a result of that neglect or abuse and nothing was done.”

Inspectors in Sudbury

Brent Ross, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, said the province takes animal welfare seriously.

“Inspectors are located in communities across Ontario, including Sudbury, and are available to respond within their regions,” Ross said in an email.

“Animal Welfare Services responds to every call and complaint received, assessing each situation based on the information provided and the requirements of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. Where necessary, inspectors attend in person and take appropriate action to protect animal welfare.”

Sudbury police said the incident took place at a residence on Bruce Avenue in the city.

“Please refrain from calling our 911 … unless you have first-hand information regarding the active investigation,” police added.

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