NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Sept. 30, 2024, at approximately 3:15 p.m., 3 District (Welland/Fonthill) uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service attended the area of Dennistoun Street and Hooker Street in the City of Welland for an animal complaint call.
Investigation revealed that a male was holding his shihtzu dog on a leash at this location and was holding the dog up by the leash strangling it. The male then smashed the dog into the railing of his front porch six times and then struck the dog with a long dark stick. The male also punched the dog multiple times.
Officers arrived on scene, approached the male and requested he hand over the dog. The male suspect refused causing a struggle to ensue between an officer and the suspect. The officer was eventually able to take the dog from his possession. However, when the male suspect was informed he was under arrest, the suspect resisted and struck the officers multiple times in the head and face. Officers eventually gained control of the suspect and the male was placed under arrest.
Two officers sustained minor physical injuries as a result of the incident.
Glen J. Ireland (33 years old) of Welland was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Willfully cause unnecessary pain/suffering or injury to an animal
- Assault with intent to resist arrest (2 Counts)
Ireland was held in custody pending a bail hearing that took place on Oct. 1, 2024.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111 option 3, extension 1009287.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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