Two women from the Sarnia area face charges in an animal cruelty investigation in which Barrie police allege the pair were in possession of 14 dogs and one cat that were being kept in "deplorable and unsanitary conditions."
Police and Animal Welfare Services began an investigation after a number of animals had been left unattended overnight in two unheated vehicles belonging to the women.
On Saturday, three dogs and a cat were turned over to the Barrie SPCA (SPCA) who also offered to take possession of the remaining dogs, so they could receive proper care.
One of the dogs, a German Shepherd, who police say was underfed, emaciated and very lethargic, needed emergency surgery to remove a foreign object from its stomach. The dog is recovering from the operation.
An arrest warrant was issued for the two female suspects after police discovered they had left Barrie.
On Wednesday, two women turned themselves in to the police in Sarnia.
They have been charged with the following criminal offences:
- Causing Unnecessary Suffering
- Causing Damage or Injury (2x)
The women were released and are to appear in Barrie court on Mar. 22.
Banner image - supplied - Barrie police
