Three charged in animal cruelty investigation after puppies found dead in northern Ont. last spring

An undated photo of blue recycle boxes. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Three individuals fromAtikameksheng First Nation have been charged in connection with an animal cruelty investigation involving several deceased puppies found abandoned in a recycling box at a landfill site, just outside of Greater Sudbury, Ont., last spring.

The investigation began on April 14, 2024, after members of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police’s Nipissing West detachment responded to reports of the incident on Reserve Road. Police said in the initial news release last year that several puppies were discovered in a blue recycling box at the landfill site.

Following a lengthy investigation, which included tips from the public, a 50-year-old woman, a 33-year-old man, and a 28-year-old man, all from Atikameksheng First Nation, have been individually charged with cruelty to animals – causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury.

The 50-year-old woman was released and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 19. The 33-year-old man is being held pending a bail hearing on Feb. 6 in Sudbury. The 28-year-old man failed to attend court on Feb. 6 and an arrest warrant has been issued for him.