Peel Regional Police and Animal Control officers seized the dog and the woman was taken to a local hospital
Article content
The goal was to save a dog whose life, according to police, was in jeopardy and get help for a woman who was allegedly trying to kill it.
What started as a Dog Day late afternoon scenario at Jack Darling Park ended up becoming an evening standoff involving Peel Regional Police and Mississauga Animal Control on Thursday.
But this was no Hollywood movie.
The facts here were stranger than fiction – and just as alarming.
As hundreds of families were enjoying a beautiful evening at the popular lakefront park between Clarkson and Port Credit, an incident unfolded that shocked people sitting at the foot of Lake Ontario.
“I saw a woman in the water trying to drown her dog,” alleged a woman, explaining she called the police right away.
They responded quickly.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Two police cruisers with lights flashing arrived along with a Mississauga Animal control van and officer.
“We received a call just past 7:15 p.m. at Jack Darling Park for an animal complaint,” Const. Nikhil Chakravarthy confirmed. “The information initially provided to police was that a woman in her 20s was abusing a dog, and potentially trying to drown it.”
Another witness told the Toronto Sun “she was pushing the dog under water but then applying love to the dog when he was coming up.”
By the time police arrived, the woman was sitting on some rocks near the water’s edge and the dog was positioned under her legs.
“PRP attended the call with Animal Services from the City of Mississauga,” Chakravarthy said. “A number of bystanders in the park had observed the woman’s bizarre behaviour and expressed their concerns to officers.”
Your Midday Sun
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
Officers negotiated with the woman, talking to her for several hours, and the dog did not leave her side. In the meantime, a tent on the beach was dismantled and an ambulance was called.
The woman seemed to be emotional and appeared defiant, according to those who witnessed the incident.
“I saw a large bottle of alcohol,” a woman on a nearby bench claimed.
Recommended from Editorial
-
WARMINGTON: Rescue dog shows Toronto the way in fight against violent crime
-
WARMINGTON: Parents outraged as woman smokes crack, injects drugs in front of school
-
WARMINGTON: Peel cop shows mercy to motorcyclist going ‘close to 100’ mph
While a distressing scene, the police officers on this call and the Animal Control officer need to be commended for their patience and de-escalation approach. There was tremendous concern for both the dog’s well-being and the human being who was clearly in distress.
Advertisement 4
Article content
As night fell, they eventually persuaded the woman to give up the dog and receive medical treatment.
“The 26-year-old woman ended up being transported to a local hospital via ambulance due to her level on intoxication, for detox,” Chakravarthy said. “She was given a provincial offence notice by our officers for being intoxicated in a public place.”
“She was also served with an offence notice in contravention of the Animal Care and Control Act,” police added.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
The dog was rescued by the Animal Control officer but Animal Services has yet to comment.
It’s unknown the breed or gender of the dog, which seemed to be loyal to the woman, whose name was not released.
The woman is considered innocent until proven guilty. The allegations against her have not been tested in court.
It was a sad and scary situation.
But the dog is now safe and the woman is getting help.
Article content
