GREENSTONE – NEWS – The Ontario Provincial Police in Greenstone report that they started an investigation on February 7, 2017 which has now resulted in charges being laid.
Animal cruelty charges are now pending after of a group of neglected dogs located at a cabin just north of the Lower Flat Rapids area in Ginoogaming, First Nation Territory was reported and investigated by the OPP.
The OPP located fifteen dogs at the cabin with various injuries and health problems. Among the fifteen dogs three were deceased.
The Greenstone OPP continued their investigation with the assistance of Thunder Bay, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) agents and all animals were transported to the Thunder Bay Humane Society for treatment and examination.
As a result of this joint investigation, the dog owners have been charged with multiple criminal offences.
Forty-three-year-old John Onabigon, and forty-five-year-old Gwendolyn Onaigon both of of Ginoogaming First Nation Territory both face charges of:
- Cruelty to animals – unnecessary pain and suffering or injury, contrary to section 445.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Causing damage or injury to animal or bird – fail to provide suitable/adequate food, water, care and shelter, contrary to section 446(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
- Killing, injuring, or endangering animals other than cattle, contrary to section 445(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
Gwendolen Onabigon is being sought by police and will be charged pending her arrest.
On March 31, 2017, 16 additional dogs owned by the couple were surrendered to Greenstone OPP and Thunder Bay SPCA agents and have been transported to the Thunder Bay Humane Society for assessment.
