GREENTSTONE, Ont. - Two people are facing multiple animal cruelty charges as a result of an investigation following a high-profile dog rescue near Longlac.
According to an Ontario Provincial Police media release, 43-year-old John Onabigon of Ginoogaming First Nation Territory has been charged with cruelty to animals, causing damage or injury to an animal, failing to provide suitable or adequate food, water, care and shelter, and killing, injuring, or endangering animals other than cattle.
Gwendolen Onabigon, 45-years-old, of Ginoogaming First Nation Territory is also facing the same charges pending her arrest.
On February 7, 2017, Greenstone OPP received reports of dogs in immediate distress at a cabin north of the Lower Flat Rapids area.
Police located 15 dogs with various injuries and health problems and three were discovered deceased. The surviving dogs were transported to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society, where their condition continues to improve.
An investigation was launched alongside the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, leading to the charges against John Onabigon and Gwendolen Onabigon.
On Mar. 31, 2017, 16 additional dogs owned by the couple were surrendered to Greenstone OPP and Thunder Bay OSPCA agents and transported to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society for assessment.
The rescue in Longlac was part of a large influx of dogs and cats from the region last February, with more than 30 dogs being transported to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society.
