NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Dec. 28, 2023, Niagara Parks Police Service, with officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service, jointly began an investigation into the abandonment of five puppies along the Niagara River Parkway in Niagara Falls.
Detectives from the NRPS Criminal Investigations Bureau were assigned to the investigation, assisted by detectives from the NRPS Cyber Crimes Unit. As a result of the investigation detectives identified a suspect.
On Jan. 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a Niagara Falls residence. Detectives have arrested and charged Mario Sid Silva, 63, 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] (four 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, Jan. 11, 2024, in St. Catharines.
The investigation determined that seven Shar-Pei puppies had been abandoned on Dec. 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 six to eight 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.
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