An Ontario man linked to the deaths of 19 dogs, and the suffering of two others, had his case called in Harbour Grace provincial court yesterday.
Fifty-two-year-old Toby Cadotte was arrested on the night of July 29th after RCMP officers made the grisly discovery in New Harbour, Trinity Bay.
Police were called by a homeowner who reported hearing a gunshot near their home on Newhook’s Hill.
Upon arrival, officers were told that Cadotte was staying in a van in the back yard — which is where they found him, the dead animals, including puppies, and two other dogs that were alive but in need of care.
The man was arrested and charged with 19 counts of wilfully causing or permitting unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal, and one count of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Cadotte, who is free on conditions, was not in the courtroom yesterday, with the judge told he was in St. John’s and unable to get to Harbour Grace.
The Crown, meanwhile, said they will proceed by indictment, the more serious route for prosecution.
There’s also additional disclosure evidence to come in the case, which is also being investigated by the province’s chief veterinary officer with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Animal Health Division.
The disturbing case will be called again on Nov. 20.