The criminal case against an Ontario man blamed for the deaths of almost two dozen dogs has been postponed until the new year.

Fifty-two-year-old Toby Cadotte faces 19 charges of wilfully causing or permitting unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal, plus one count of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

He was arrested on the night of July 29th following the gruesome 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 backyard — which is where they found him, the dead animals, including puppies, and two other dogs that were in hard shape.

Cadotte was again a no-show in Harbour Grace provincial court this afternoon, but this time there was a designation in place allowing a lawyer to appear on his behalf. During his first court date in September, the judge was told Cadotte was staying in St. John’s with no way of getting to the town, which is still the case.

His lawyer told the court today that he has yet to receive the disclosure evidence, saying he usually gets a confirmation email, to which the Crown replied it’s ready for pickup.

The defence will now review that evidence in preparation for entering pleas in the new year.

The case is due back in court on January 22nd.