Dog safe, in care of humane society, following viral video of dog being tasered

WARNING: This story contains descriptions of animal cruelty.

The Windsor Police Service says it has arrested a 26-year-old after a video of a woman Tasering a dog went viral online. 

The service said it launched an investigation on Monday after receiving multiple reports about the video.

Anishia Richardson posted the video on Facebook after discovering it on the social media network Snapchat, she said.

"And from there, the whole thing just blew up," she added.

"Everybody called the authorities. Everybody called … the animal hotline number."

'I shed a tear'

The video showed a woman crouching down and discharging a conducted energy weapon near a small dog in an enclosed cage, police said in a news release issued Wednesday. 

The distressed animal can be heard yelping and barking while another person laughs in the background.

"I shed a tear," Richardson said. 

"It was really sad. I'm like, 'That poor dog. That poor dog.' There's probably a family that would've taken care of that dog, and she's over here traumatizing the poor thing."

Richardson's love of animals compelled her to take a stand, she said.  

And the video generated numerous disgusted reactions from viewers. 

Officers arrested a woman in connection with the incident at a residence in the 1100 block of Bruce Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. on Monday, police said.

The dog was removed from the home and turned over to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, the humane society said the dog "has been thoroughly examined by our medical team and is in good condition.

"While he is bright and alert, he is understandably scared and will need time to adjust," the post said. "At this time, he is not available for adoption or foster care."

The humane society also thanked Windsor police "for acting swiftly in this case."

The woman in the case has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Richardson is pleased with the outcome of her effort, she said.

"I'm happy for the dog, very happy for that dog."

The Ministry of the Solicitor General, which oversees animal welfare, said it could not comment on this specific case as it is before the courts. 

But, a spokesperson said if an animal is in distress or being abuse or neglected, they should contact the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9ANIMAL. 

"When any life – human or animal – is in immediate danger, such as an animal left unattended in a hot or cold vehicle, we encourage people to report the emergency to 911," the spokesperson said. 

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the major crimes unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS).