A Mississauga, Ont., man is facing charges after several puppies purchased online were found either dead or “badly mutilated,” police say.
Officers responded to multiple incidents in the Dundas Street and Mavis Road area of the city where puppies between eight and 10 weeks old were found either deceased or gravely injured and “left for dead,” Peel Regional Police said in a press release.
“The injuries were not consistent with wildlife and appeared to be intentionally caused,” police said in an April 14 press release. “The incidents were linked by investigators who believed this to be the actions of the same individual.”
At least eight dogs have been abused, but only four dogs have been accounted for to date, police said, noting that there may be more victims. One of the dogs was found dead by investigators and the remaining three are currently undergoing medical treatment and are in the process of recuperating.
After conducting a detailed investigation known as Project Sentinel, police said they successfully connected the dogs to a single suspect who used online platforms, including Kijiji, to purchase the pups under the pseudonym “Joey.”
A 43-year-old Mississauga man has been arrested in connection with the investigation. Jiong Wang is facing four counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, killing or injuring animals, and cruelty to animals.
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Anyone who has sold puppies online to a buyer identified as “Joey” is encouraged to contact police. Anonymous information may also be submitted to Peel Crime Stoppers.
In a separate incident, an Ottawa man is facing similar charges in an animal cruelty case earlier this year.
Ottawa police launched an investigation into a case of suspected abuse after Animal Welfare Services received a tip from a veterinarian.
Officers took a man into custody after finding four dead dogs and one dog showing signs of “neglect and abuse” while searching a home on Feb. 21, Ottawa police said in a press release.
Drugs, drug paraphernalia, and Canadian currency were also found in the residence, police said.
Andy Jay Ali, 34, of Jasper, Ont., was charged with four counts of willfully causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal, one count of failing to comply with a release order, and eight drug-related charges.
