Windsor police charge woman with cruelty, seize dog after viral video

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Windsor police have arrested a woman on animal cruelty and weapon charges after an online video was posted showing a woman discharging a conducted energy weapon close to a small dog inside a cage.

Windsor Police Service launched a probe on May 5 after receiving multiple reports about a “viral video” that, according to police, shows a woman crouching down and discharging a conducted energy weapon near a small dog inside a cage.

“The distressed animal can be heard yelping and barking while another person laughs in the background,” police said in a news release Wednesday.

Shortly before 10 p.m. on Monday, officers located and arrested a female suspect at a residence in the 1100 block of Bruce Avenue.

Police said the dog was removed from the home and turned over to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. 

A 26-year-old woman is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Anyone with information should call the Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. They can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at catchcrooks.com.

This case has deeply affected many in our community

In a social media post on Wednesday, the local humane society thanked Windsor police and said the dog “has been thoroughly examined by our medical team and is in good condition.

“While he is bright and alert, he is understandably scared and will need time to adjust. At this time he is not available for adoption or foster care.”

Stating “this case has deeply affected many in our community,” the humane society shared information on how anyone can help in animal abuse situations:

• If you witness an animal in immediate danger (e.g. an animal being tortured, attacked, or left in a hot or freezing vehicle), call local police immediately. In urgent cases like this one, police are empowered to enforce the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act.
• For situations where an animal is being neglected or is in distress (e.g. no access to food, water, shelter, or medical care), contact Animal Welfare Services Ontario at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). This line is available 24/7.

“As a community, we all have a role to play in protecting animals who cannot speak for themselves,” the humane society said.

— With files from Doug Schmidt

mholmeshill@postmedia.com