A total of 276 more charges are pending in the dog fighting case, which was busted in Chatham-Kent last week.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service and the OSPCA held a press conference at police headquarters on Wednesday to update the public about the case.
“On Friday, October 9, as part of a joint forces operation, members of our police service along with the Ontario SPCA executed multiple warrants at a residence on Morris Line in Tilbury East Township,” said Cons. Renee Cowell, public information for the CKPS. “Several dogs and a large quantity of evidence consistent with the training of dogs were seized. In addition to the dogs and training equipment, a number of firearms were also seized.”
Cowell said as of today John Robert, 43, Kim Robert, 39, and Michael Gagnon, 41, all of the Morris Line address, each have been charged with two counts of animal cruelty and two counts of firearm related offences.
“This has been a long, complex, and emotionally charged investigation for everyone involved,” Cowell said. “Investigators spent the better part of the holiday weekend working on this case and as a result we will be laying an additional 92 charges against each accused. As per the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Dog Owners Liability Act.
Cowell said all three remain in custody and are scheduled to appear at a bail hearing Thursday morning in Chatham at 10:30 a.m. in courtroom 103.
“Once the charges have been formerly laid, we will be providing an updated media release outlining the exact charges.”
Inspector Brad Dewar of the OSPCA said as a result of three search warrants being executed, 31 prohibited Pitbull type dogs were seized from the residence.
“All the dogs are believed to be owned by the accused and are not any ones missing pets,” he said. “Each dog has been scanned for a microchip at the point of intake, and no microchips were located. These dogs are being housed in a secure facility in the Province of Ontario and are not in the Chatham-Kent area. The dogs were found in various health states. Each dog has been assessed and a proper treatment plan has been put in place to address their individual needs. What happens with these dogs here on in, is up to the courts. In the interim we will continue to provide the care they require and deserve.”
Dewar said although there has been an overwhelming amount of emails and phone calls for missing pets, none were located on the property.
“For those of you across the Province of Ontario who are looking for their missing pets, our hearts go out to you,” he said. “We ask that you keep in contact with your local animal control.”
Dewar said during the course of the search on the property, they located one deceased dog.
“The dog is believed to be a pitbull type dog,” he said. “This dog will be held and sent for testing to determine the cause of death.”
Dewar added, also seized during the warrant were hundreds of items commonly used in the training of dogs to fight, including:
– Treadmills or slatmills
– Jennys
– Baits
– Bite sticks
– Videos
– Books
– Medications
– Steroids
– Spring poles
– Vet kits with IV set up
– Suture kits
– Transportable fight kits
– Pits
Dewar said the OSPCA is asking community members to come forward and report any concern for the welfare of the animals in Ontario.
They can do that by calling 310-SPCA or 310-7722 (24/7) or by e-mail cruelty@ospca.on.ca, or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
More to come, this story will be updated.
– Tami Schram Photo: Brad Dewar and Renee Cowell
