Two men from Markham have been charged with fraud and animal cruelty offences after York Regional Police and Markham Animal Care Services rescued 16 puppies.
Police say they received information last December about a puppy that had potentially been sold with fraudulent vaccination records. Through the investigation, police discovered ads had been posted online selling puppies for between $700 and $1,500 each. The buyers were provided with documentation that investigators say was fraudulent.
A search warrant was executed at a home in Markham on Nov. 9 where officers found 16 puppies, all in four small cages, amid horrendous living conditions. The puppies were rescued and brought for medical attention by Markham Animal Care Services.
Police say they located and seized evidence related to fraud and forgery of the vaccination records.
Banner image provided: York Regional Police