UPDATE - Arrested - Officers locate and seize dog after abuse incident captured on CCTV

UPDATE

On August 20, 2026, officers from Patrol Operations and the Community Response Unit (CRU) located and arrested the individual believed to be responsible in the downtown core.

41-year-old, Thomas Bedggood has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada;

·         Cruelty to animals

·         Injuring or endangering other animals

·         Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

·         Mischief under $5,000

·         Theft under $5,000

Thomas Bedggood is scheduled to appear in bail court to answer to the charges.

The investigation remains ongoing. GSPS officers will continue to work in collaboration with PAWS inspectors throughout the investigative process.

ORIGINAL

At approximately 6:50 p.m. on August 19, 2026, the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) received multiple calls regarding an animal abuse incident. A video depicting the assault, which appeared to involve a lone individual, had been circulated on social media.

Through the course of the investigation, officers obtained CCTV footage of the incident and identified the individual believed to be responsible.

Officers subsequently located the dog at a residence on Lourdes Street and seized the animal under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act. The dog was removed from the residence and transported to a local veterinary clinic for assessment and care.

The individual believed to be responsible was not present at the residence. As a result, investigators have applied for an arrest warrant.

The investigation remains ongoing. GSPS officers will continue to work in collaboration with PAWS inspectors as the investigation progresses.