WARNING: The following story contains details that some people may find disturbing.
A pair of Winnipeggers have been arrested after images and videos were posted online of animals being tortured and killed.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian Animal Welfare informed the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) about the videos and images in August 2024.
Police note the content was posted on the dark web, and approximately 10 cats were believed to be involved. Some of the animals were acquired through social media selling platforms.
Winnipeg police investigated and determined that the content was created and posted in Winnipeg.
Officers executed a search warrant at a home in the Lord Roberts neighbourhood where evidence was seized. Two people were taken into custody.
A 55-year-old woman and 40-year-old man have been charged with killing or injuring animals; causing unnecessary suffering to an animal; failing to provide adequate medical attention to an animal when it was ill or wounded; and inflicting upon an animal acute suffering, serious injury or harm, or extreme anxiety or distress that significantly impairs its health or well-being.
Both suspects are in custody.
Police note that investigators do not believe this incident is linked to recent report of cats being found dead in the Point Douglas area. The situations are being investigated separately.