ANIMAL CRUELTY CASES – WHY THE INCONSISTENCY IN POLICE RESPONSE?
Just this past weekend (July 5, 2025) a video tape was released on social media showing a man in Belleville, Ontario brutally abusing his dog out in a public area.
Belleville police attended and what was so extraordinary is the Belleville Police Service did not just hand over the case to Provincial Animal Welfare Services (AWS – aka as PAWS). The Belleville police actually criminally charged the videotaped abuser – Samuel Earle.
This is extraordinary !!! And that is why I want to share this with you.
Time and time again….if police and AWS are both called to attend to a scene involving an animal the police are no where to be seen in regard to charging. EVEN if what was done crosses the line into criminal conduct as outlined in Criminal Code Statute 445.1
This is a big deal because there is significant difference in the punishment and consequences associated with a criminal charge VS that of a Provincial Offence Act charge. Things like jail time, fines, criminal records etc.
Causing unnecessary suffering
- 445.1(1) Every one commits an offence who
- (a) wilfully causes or, being the owner, wilfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or a bird;
Punishment
Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of:
- (a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or
- (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or to both.
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On July 5th at 10:35am, Belleville Police assisted Animal Welfare Officers with an investigation into an animal complaint. Upon investigation, police discovered that a male had beaten and choked a dog the previous day. As a result, Samuel Earle, 28-year-old Belleville resident, was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury.
The dog was seized and taken into Animal Welfares custody and will be placed in a safe home following any medical treatment.
Earle was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court in August 2025.
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Unfortunately this case is not unique. BUT WHAT IS UNIQUE is that this individual was charged under the Canadian Criminal Code – statute 445.1
He was not charged by Provincial Animal Welfare Services (AWS) under the Provincial Offences Act.
WHY?
There are many similarities between the Belleville case and so so many other cases.
- the brutality of the offence
- the public witnesses
- the fact that both police and AWS responded
But Belleville stepped up and did their job – they charged criminally which ONLY they are able to do.
AWS cannot charge criminally. AWS can most certainly recommend that the police charge criminally but I have yet to see an example of this occurring.
In fact AWS investigators rarely engage with police to go over evidence and determine an appropriate charge.
Instead, brutal cases like Jessica Kippen, Katelyn Lidkea of 4 Lucky Paws “Rescue”, Neil Stratford, Stephanie Redlick are charged under Provincial Offences and the penalties and kangaroo court proceedings are an embarrassment.
SO WHY THE LACK OF CONSISTENT BEHAVIOUR BY ONTARIO POLICE FORCES IN RELATION TO ANIMAL CRUELTY CASES?
Hamilton has numerous cases of this. Hamilton Police response is abysmal.
We are into our 6th year of the PAWS Act where it is clear that police services in Ontario have a role to play. But far too often we see police put up their hands and claim “we don’t deal with animals” or directs inquiries to them to call PAWS instead.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner knows it is a problem. He admitted that to Humane Initiative last year in a meeting. He called it “a gap”.
<<< CALL TO ACTION >>>
Please email:
SG Kerzner at: Minister.solgen@ontario.ca
Call: 416.717.3125
Please email:
Doug Ford at: Premier@ontario.ca
Call: 647.612.3673