2 people arrested after 10 cats tortured, killed in 'horrible' animal cruelty case: Winnipeg police

WARNING: This story contains disturbing details.

A 40-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman have been arrested and charged with torturing and killing10 cats, Winnipeg police say.

They allege the two posted videos and photos ofanimal torture content on the dark web, after some of the cats were bought through social media.

The content was viewed by a citizen and turned in to the provincial veterinarian, who sent the content to police in August 2024, police said at a news conference Friday. The animal torture content was posted online between May and August.

That led to an investigation during which a search warrant was executed in the Lord Roberts area of south Winnipeg. The two people were arrested and evidence was seized, police said at a Friday news conference.

Police saidtheyfound evidence of animal cruelty in the home, andlocated 10cats anda rabbit during their investigation, but noanimals found were alive.

"Investigators told me that this is the worst case that they've dealt with a very, very horrible case involving animal cruelty," Winnipeg Police Service spokesperson Const. Stephen Spencer said.

He said that when peopleare involved in crimes against animals, that violent behaviour can escalate and involve humans,butthere is currently no evidence to suggest intent to harm peoplein this case.

Spencer also said while police have received reports ofcats being found dead in the Point Douglas area, it's not believed at this point the two cases are related. The police service's major crimes unit is still investigating the Point Douglas reports, as well as the Lord Roberts case, he said.

The two Winnipeggerswho were arrested were known to police. Theyare in police custody and charged with:

• Killing or injuring animals.
• Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
• Failing to provide adequate medical attention for an animal when it is wounded or ill.
• Inflicting acute suffering, serious injury or harmupon an animal, or extreme anxiety or distress that significantly impairs its health or well-being.

Don't support social media sellers: Humane Society

Andrew Clarke, directorof investigation and emergency response for the Winnipeg Humane Societyand a former police officer, saysabout two-thirds of the thousands of calls his department gets are related to some form of animal mistreatment or abuse, but that a case like this is very rare.

"It is disturbing," Clarke said during an interviewon CBC Radio'sUp to Speed. "These are serious charges that [police have]laid, and they obviously feel confident they got, unfortunately, the evidence to back them up."

Clarke said that while the number of calls has remained consistent over the last couple years,animal removals in the city havegone up in 2024, adding that it might be in part due to people no longer beingable to take care of their pets because ofeconomic headwinds.

This case highlights why people should not support sellers advertisingpets onsocial media, he said, urging prospective pet owners to insteadvisitreputable rescues in the city.

Winnipeg police said anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals can contact the provincial animal care line at 204-945-8000.

People can also contact the Winnipeg Police Service regarding criminal incidents involving animals, or make a report anonymously toCrime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.