Woman arrested following animal cruelty incident involving conducted energy weapon

Windsor police say a 26-year-old woman has been arrested after a video depicting acts of animal cruelty involving a conducted energy weapon was shared online.

Officers launched an investigation on Monday, after receiving multiple reports regarding a viral video that appeared to show the abuse of a dog with a Taser-like device.

In the video, police say a woman is seen crouching down and discharging the conducted energy weapon near a small dog in an enclosed cage. Police say the distressed animal can be heard yelping and barking while another person laughs in the background.

Shortly before 10 p.m., officers located and arrested a female suspect at a residence in the 1100 block of Bruce Avenue. The dog was removed from the home and turned over to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society.

The woman has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Lynnette Bain, executive director at the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society issued a statement to CTV News on Wednesday.

“The dog is safe at the Humane Society and is under good care. He was examined by our medical team and is in good condition. He is bright and alert, but understandably is scared and will need some time to adjust. The dog is being boarded by The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society at this time and is not currently available for adoption or foster.

We want to use this experience to share with our community that if they suspect that an animal is in immediate danger or in case of emergency that it is always best to contact the police who can enforce the PAWS act, which is what happened in this situation. This would be appropriate if any life is in immediate danger; ie. An animal attack, an animal being tortured or being left unattended in a hot or cold vehicle.

Animal Welfare Services Ontario is the organization authorized under the Ministry of the Solicitor General to oversee animal welfare and the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. Calls can be made by calling 1-833-9-ANIMAL and this line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days per week. This number should be contacted if an animal is in distress or being neglected. An example of this would be a situation where an animal lacks proper care, water, food or shelter, or is injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused."

Anyone with information can also call the Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.