An Ontario man accused of animal cruelty in the deaths of 19 dogs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Fifty-three-year-old Toby Cadotte faces one count each of willfully causing or permitting unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to each animal, including several puppies.

He also faces a single charge of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Cadotte was arrested on July 29 of last year following the gruesome discovery in New Harbour, Trinity Bay.

Police were called by someone who heard a gunshot near their home on Newhook’s Hill. When they responded, they were told Cadotte was staying in a van in the area.

And that’s where police found him, the dead animals, and two other dogs in distress.

Cadotte was again a no-show for his most recent court date in Harbour Grace, but he wasn’t required to be there, either.

Instead, his lawyer entered not guilty pleas to all charges, and chose trial by Supreme Court judge alone.

Cadotte will be required in court on February 3rd, however, when he’s scheduled to be formally arraigned, and dates set for trial.