Canines rescued from locked storage unit in Fort Erie, police say

Police have charged a Fort Erie resident after a concerned citizen reported two animals being locked inside a storage unit.

On Feb. 19 just before at 2:45 p.m. Niagara Regional Police Service received a 911 emergency call from a witness who saw what police have described as two "canines" being led into and locked inside a storage unit in a commercial storage premises on Garrison Road near Kraft Road in Fort Erie. 

The suspect reportedly left the area on foot, causing the witness concern for the welfare of the animals, police said.

When Fort Erie uniform patrol officers arrived, the canines could be heard barking from inside the storage unit. 

After determining the animals were in distress, the lock was cut and police entered the unit. 

Officers seized the animals under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act after observing they were unable to move about due to overcrowding in the unit. As well there was insufficient food, and an unclean water supply. 

The Lincoln County Humane Society was called and took the animals, turning over their care to Animal Welfare Services.

Detectives assigned to criminal investigative branch were notified of the incident and took over the investigation. The suspect was identified, and Fort Erie officers took steps to locate and arrest the suspect.

On Feb. 22, the suspect was seen riding a bicycle on Garrison Road near Thompson Road, in Fort Erie. The suspect was directed to stop, however refused, and continued for approximately three kilometres before being taken into custody on Buffalo Road near Nigh Road, police said in a news release.

Quinby Leland Zachariah-Diaz, 31, of Fort Erie has been arrested and charged with two counts of willfully causing unnecessary pain and suffering or injury to an animal, and two counts of causing damage or injury to animals.

Zachariah-Diaz was held in custody pending a bail hearing Thursday at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Police said this remains an ongoing investigation as detectives continue to liaise with Animal Welfare Services. Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009555.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to those who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.