Animal neglect charge laid after dog left outside for hours

GUELPH – A woman here has been charged with neglecting an animal after a dog was allegedly left outside for more than three hours in frigid temperatures.

Just before midnight on Feb. 3, police were called to the area of Silvercreek Parkway North and Paisley Street after a resident reported a dog had been outside barking for more than three hours. Temperatures that day had dropped to below -20 C.

“Officers attended and located a small dog which had a large amount of ice collected on its face, paws and abdomen,” Guelph Police stated in a press release.

“Officers noted it was shivering and walking with a limp. Several door knocks were conducted with no answer.”

Police say the dog was apprehended under provincial legislation and taken to the Guelph Humane Society to be assessed. 

A 59-year-old Guelph woman was charged with causing harm to an animal. She is to appear in  Guelph court on March 10.

“Residents are reminded to be aware of weather conditions and not leave domestic animals outside for longer than required during extreme cold,” police stated.