OTTAWA - On Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, Ottawa Police responded to a call in the Manor Park area of Ottawa when witnesses reported a man was beating a dog. Witnesses reported the man had repeatedly kicked the dog then beat it with a rake and shovel.

When witnesses attempted to intervene they were threatened by the man with the rake to stay back. Ottawa Police located the man in the area and he was arrested without incident.

Steven HELFER, 24 years old, of Ottawa has been charged with the following; and he appeared in court today and has been remanded into custody:

  • Criminal Harassment contrary to section 244(2) Criminal Code
  • Intimidation contrary to section 423(1) (a) Criminal Code
  • 2 counts of Assault with a weapon contrary to section 267(a) Criminal Code
  • Injuring or endangering Animals contrary to section 445(1)(a) Criminal Code
  • Willfully cause unnecessary pain/suffering or injury to an animal contrary to section 445.1(1)(a)

The Ottawa Humane Society is assisting the Ottawa Police Central District Investigators with this ongoing investigation. The Humane Society has taken over care of the injured dog which is currently in critical condition.