Fifty-two-year-old Toby Cadotte of Ontario was arrested at a residence in New Harbour by Whitbourne RCMP on July 29, 2024.
Shortly before 7:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a gun shot that was fired in the back yard of a residence on Newhook's Hill in New Harbour. Officers were approached by the home owner who disclosed that Cadotte was staying in a vehicle in the back yard of the property.
Officers attended the property and located nineteen dogs, including a number of puppies, that were deceased and two dogs that required care. The animals requiring care were transported to SPCA.
Cadotte was arrested for animal cruelty and careless use of a firearm. A firearm was seized from the property. He attended court on July 30, 2024, and is charged with nineteen counts of animal cruelty and one count of carless use of a firearm.
He was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date.
The Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture's Animal Health Division is engaged and the investigation is continuing.
Animal cruelty is a criminal offence. If you suspect animals are not being properly cared for, please contact your local police and make a report.