THUNDER BAY – A Thunder Bay man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly beating a Canada goose to death in the Intercity area on Monday evening.
An investigation is ongoing and could result in further charges for other members of a group who may have participated, said a Thunder Bay Police Service spokesperson.
Officers were dispatched to a foot path that runs along the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway in the Waterford Street area just after 9 p.m. on Monday, following reports a group of males had “mutilated” a live goose, the force reported.
Police arrested a Thunder By man, 23, who is alleged to have beaten the goose to death and thrown its carcass in the river. Officers located the carcass and three males nearby, police said.
The man is charged with cruelty to animals – unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury, and failure to comply with a probation order.
Further investigation identified one of the three males as being the suspect connected to the incident. An investigation remains ongoing and could potentially result in further charges, police said.
A witness captured video of the incident that was potentially helpful in the investigation, police said.
The suspect has since been released with conditions and a future appearance date.
A TBPS spokesperson described incidents of cruelty to animals investigations involving wildlife as rare.
