Elderly Ontario Man, 85, Charged After Alleged Cane Attack on Dog and Owner
An 85-year-old man from Ontario is facing charges after police say he struck a dog with his cane and then tried to assault the animal’s owner.
According to Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the incident happened in the Municipality of Bluewater on Wednesday, July 2. Officers were called to a disturbance involving a man, a dog, and the dog’s owner.
Investigators allege the elderly suspect used his cane to hit the dog, causing visible distress to the animal. Police say the man also made an attempt to strike the dog’s owner during the confrontation. It is not yet known what led to the altercation, and officials have not confirmed whether the dog required medical attention.
When officers arrived on scene, they arrested the man without further incident. He was transported to the local OPP detachment, where he was formally charged with assault with a weapon. Under Canadian law, a cane can be considered a weapon when used to harm or threaten another person or animal.
The accused has since been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich at a later date. Police have not released his name, citing policies regarding certain categories of accused individuals.
The OPP is reminding the public that any form of violence toward animals is taken seriously and can lead to criminal charges. Residents are encouraged to report suspected cases of animal abuse or assault to police or the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre.
This case has raised concerns in the Bluewater community, where residents say they are shocked that such an incident could involve a senior citizen. Local animal advocates are urging the court to consider the severity of the act when determining penalties.
