Update: Charges laid – Frontenac OPP seek to identify driver after dog abandoned in Godfrey

Update (Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023):
After a lone dog was discovered abandoned in a moderately remote area of Central Frontenac, the driver believed to have abandoned the dog has been charged.

The Frontenac County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) released information about the case on Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023, noting that a female dog had spent approximately two weeks alone in the cold in the area of Hill Road in Godfrey. Police believed the dog had been abandoned in the area in mid-February, and obtained photos of a white Chevrolet pickup truck that was in the area at the time. Those photos were subsequently released to the public, with the OPP appealing for any information that might help police identify the driver of the truck, as they believed the driver may have been responsible for the abandonment.

The dog was taken in by members of the community and taken to a veterinarian for a health check, police said at the time.

Now, on Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023, the OPP have provided an update, thanking the public for helping to identify the individual in connection with the abandoned dog investigation, who is now facing multiple charges.

“On February 16, 2023, at about 9:00 a.m., four-year-old walker hound Rosie was dropped off and left to fend for herself on Hill Road in Godfrey. This dog managed to survive the frigid winter temperatures for 11 days before being rescued by a member of the public,” the OPP said in a press release.

With the driver identified, Animal Welfare Services were brought in to assist the OPP with the investigation. As a result of that investigation, Joel McCulloch, 64, of Westport, was arrested and charged with:

• Cruelty to animals – unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury
• Causing damage or injury to an animal – failure to provide suitable/adequate food, water, care, shelter
• Obstructing a peace officer
• Casting undue stress on an animal

According to the OPP, McCulloch was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Kingston on May 16, 2023.

“Thanks to everyone that has reached out to donate to Rosie’s care. If you would like to donate, you can contact the Kingston Humane Society,” police added.

Original article (Monday, Mar. 1, 2023):

The Frontenac County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is looking to identify the owner of a white Chevy pickup truck believed to have abandoned a dog in mid-February.

On Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023, the OPP published photos of the dog and the truck on Twitter, indicating police would like to speak with the owner of the truck, which was seen in the area of Hill Road in Godfrey. Hill Road is located off of Westport Road (South Frontenac Road 8) in Central Frontenac Township, just north of South Frontenac Township.

“This pup spent two weeks out in the cold, after officers believe she was abandoned,” the OPP said on Twitter, noting that it is believed the dog was abandoned there around 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

In response to inquiries from Kingstonist, Acting Sergeant Erin Cranton, indicated that police were contacted about the dog being abandoned, and that the images of the white pickup truck were provided to investigating officers.

“The truck was in the area when the dog was left on the side of the road,” Cranton said. “Officers are continuing the investigation and would like to speak to the owner of the truck.”

Cranton said that a community member located the dog and “brought her in from the cold.”

“I don’t have any other information as to where the dog currently is,” she said, “However, I’m advised that she is safe.”

Anyone with information about the incident or the owner of the white Chevy pickup truck is asked to contact the Frontenac OPP at 1-888-310-1122.