A man is facing over a dozen animal cruelty charges after a number of dogs were found dead in New Harbour.

The animals were discovered after police were called to a residence for a separate matter.

RCMP were alerted to reports of a gun shot fired from a residence on Newhook’s Hill just before 7 Monday evening.

When they arrived, the homeowner led officers to the backyard where a man was living in a vehicle on the property.

That’s where nineteen dogs, including several puppies, were found dead. Two others were found alive and taken to the SPCA for treatment.

Fifty-two-year-old Toby Cadotte of Ontario was arrested and charged with nineteen counts of animal cruelty and careless use of a firearm.

He made an appearance in provincial court on Tuesday and was released to appear before a judge at a later date.

RCMP, the Chief Veterinary Officer, and government’s Animal Health Division are all involved in the investigation.