Updated: June 15, 3:55 p.m.
A 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman who were both arrested in connection to an animal cruelty case on June 14 are scheduled for their first court appearance on July 19.
Updated June 15, 9:10 a.m.
All of the animals in the residence where a dog was allegedly struck and forced to eat feces — as seen in a widely-circulated Facebook video — have been found safe, Greater Sudbury Police said in a press release issued June 15.
"All of the animals that were associated to the residence have been located, three kittens and two dogs, one of which is the dog in the video, Chico," said the press release.
"The dogs were found in the care of two separate people, who kept them safe until officers attended. The three kittens were located inside of the residence. The animals are safe and with animal care professionals. The animals all appear to be doing well and will be examined by a veterinarian as a precaution. We would like to thank the public for all of its assistance with this matter, including the sharing of information through our social media platforms."
Updated June 15, 8:45 a.m.
The dog seen being struck and forced to eat feces in a video circulating on Facebook (visible above) has been located, Greater Sudbury Police tweeted a few moments ago.
A 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were arrested last night in connection with this incident.
Sudbury.com will update this story as more information becomes available.
Updated: June 14, 9:25 p.m.
Greater Sudbury Police have taken two people into custody in relation to a video of a dog being abused.
A man and a woman have both been taken into custody and are facing one count of animal cruelty each. Both individuals will be held overnight and will appear in bail court on June 15.
The investigation is ongoing and police are seeking the assistance of the public in locating the dog from the video.
"The dogs were not on the premises and we are still trying to find them," said Staff Sgt. Peter Orsino. "If anyone has seen them or knows where they might be they are asked to contact the police."
The names of the accused are not being released at this time.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Updated: June 14, 8:00 p.m.
The Greater Sudbury Police Services Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is currently investigating an incident of a dog being beaten.
Video of the incident was circulating social media on June 14, and the GSPS has picked up on it and are in the process of investigating.
If found guilty of animal cruelty, the alleged abuser(s) could face charges and a jail sentence.
"There are possible jail sentences for animal cruelty cases depending on the severity," said Staff Sgt. Peter Orsino.
"There may also be conditions put in place where they would not be allowed to own a pet."
GSPS have not confirmed the status of the dogs at this time or whether or not they have been removed from the home. In cases like this, however, the animals are removed from the home and taken into the care of the OSPCA or another animal shelter.
"The animal will be brought in for examination and that's also part of the investigation," said Orsino.
Sudbury.com will provide updates on this story as they become available.
Original story:
Greater Sudbury Police Services are requesting the assistance of the public in an investigation into a video of a dog being beaten and mistreated.
Two videos posted to Facebook (which can be viewed above; warning, some may find the content disturbing) earlier today show a young woman hitting a dog repeatedly and shoving its face into what appears to be feces.
Facebook users have been circulating the names of who they say posted the original video, and that the alleged original poster has since deleted or changed his or her Facebook account. Police have not confirmed the names of the alleged dog owners, so Sudbury.com is not sharing their names.
The Greater Sudbury Police Service is actively investigating this matter.
"We thank everyone who has brought this forth and for your heartfelt concern for the dog," said a GSPS news release.
An update will be provided when more information is available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police at 675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 222-TIPS, online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com or by texting TIPSUD and the information to CRIMES (274637).
