On December 28th, 2023, uniform officers from the Niagara Parks Police Service (NPP), along with uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) jointly commenced an investigation into the abandonment of five puppies along the Niagara Parkway in the City of Niagara Falls.
Detectives from the NRPS 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara on the Lake) Criminal Investigations Bureau were assigned to the investigation. They were assisted by detectives from the NRPS Cyber Crimes Unit. As a result of the investigation detectives identified a suspect.
On January 10th, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a Niagara Falls residence. Detectives have arrested and charged Mario Sid Silva (63 yrs.) of Niagara Falls with the Criminal Code offences of:
Willfully Cause Unnecessary Pain/Suffering or Injury to an Animal – Sec. 445.1(1)(a)[1] (4 Counts) Kill Animals Other Than Cattle – Sec. 445(1)(a)[3]
SILVA has been held in custody pending the outcome of a video bail hearing. The bail hearing will take place on Thursday, January 11th, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.
The investigation determined that seven Shar – Pei puppies had been abandoned on December 28, 2023. Four remain in the care of the Niagara SPCA, one was deceased when officers attended the initial scene, and two are unaccounted for.
The Shar – Pei puppies are believed to be 6 – 8 weeks old. The puppies are doing well and gaining weight. While there are plans to adopt out the puppies to a good home, they will be remaining in the care of the Niagara SPCA till they reach an adoptable age. To learn more about the Niagara SPCA and their services CLICK HERE
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1022200.
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.
Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online
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Related Media Release
Niagara Parks Police Service – December 29, 2023
On Thursday, December 28th at approximately 12 p.m. the Niagara Parks Police Service was alerted by members of the public that five puppies had been discovered abandoned in the frigid river waters adjacent the Niagara River Parkway and Edgeworth Road. They were visiting from out of town, had parked their car in a nearby parkette and heard the puppies when they stepped out of their vehicle. The visitors recovered five puppies and were attempting to warm them inside their vehicle while alerting authorities. Unfortunately, one of the puppies had already succumbed to the elements.
Staff members from the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society removed the puppies from the scene and initiated immediate and constant care for them. The puppies are believed to be a Shar Pei mix, with three surviving males and one female.
We are asking members of the public who may have any information regarding this incident to contact police or those who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. #crimestoppersofniagara
Cruelty to animals is a criminal offence and those who can no longer care for their pets have other options rather than abandoning them in parks and nature areas where they can quickly succumb to the elements. People who can no longer care for pets are strongly encouraged to reach out to local animal services or animal rescue organizations.
