B.C. man sentenced for killing neighbour’s dog

A BC SPCA sign is seen in this undated image. (Shutterstock)

A Port Alberni family is grieving the loss of their dog Stone, after the “gentle soul” was shot and killed by their neighbour.

Michael Stini has been ordered to pay a $2500 victim fine surcharge, after he pleaded guilty to the offense on June 10.

He also received a conditional discharge with 12 months probation and must pay $250 restitution.

The BC SPCA says Stone got stuck in a foot-hold trap on Stini’s property back in February 2023.

The traps were set by conservation officers after Stini reported that a cougar was attacking his livestock. Stini was reportedly instructed not to shoot or kill any animals that became trapped.

Conservation officers headed to the property to release Stone, but when they arrived, found that the dog had been shot and killed.

Stone’s body was taken to the BC SPCA Port Alberni Community Animal Centre, where conservation officers learned that the dog’s family had reported him missing.

A necropsy later found that Stone was in otherwise good condition and that the foot-hold trap did not cause any significant injuries. It is believed that the bullet caused instant or near-instantaneous death.

“Stone was a valuable family member of our home, he was never aggressive to anything,” his family shared.

The BC SPCA says it is important that people fully understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to animal cruelty laws.

“People are permitted to protect their livestock from dogs, but there are restrictions,” Kaley Pugh, regional manager, cruelty investigations at the BC SPCA said in a news release Monday.

“The Livestock Protection Act is clear that the dog has to be running at large and attacking or viciously pursuing the livestock. Stone was immobilized in a foot-hold trap; the investigations revealed that he did not approach the livestock.”