Ontario woman, 23, charged after graphic video emerges of horse being dragged
Disclaimer: This story contains material some viewers may find graphic.
A 23-year-old Ontario woman has been charged under the provincial welfare services act after a graphic video of a horse being dragged surfaced online.
One video shows the horse being pulled with ropes as its back hooves drag along a road.
A second video shows a woman pointing to blood on the ground before speaking to the horse using an offensive term and motioning the camera to the horse's legs while saying, “like literally squirting blood, like her hoof was here, and it was spurting out over there."
The Ministry of the Solicitor General said animal welfare services began an investigation and has charged Solstice Pecile with "causing distress to an animal." The ministry said Pecile is from the Township of Cavan Monaghan, which is located southwest of Peterborough, Ont.
Equestrian Jamie Lorentz, who saw the graphic videos online, has been trying to raise awareness with authorities.
"It’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen in the industry," Lorentz said. "I think it’s a big step. It’s showing our voices are being heard and occurrences like this can’t be swept under the rug."
Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police say an investigation is ongoing into a possible animal cruelty incident, which began on Nov. 3, in conjunction with animal welfare services. They said their investigation was prompted by a video posted online involving a horse.
The first image shows a video of a horse being dragged by a rope (Facebook). Two sources have identified the second photo as Solstice Pecile, a 23-year-old woman charged under the provincial welfare services act (Wishing Stone Farm).
Within that area, two sources have confirmed Pecile worked at Wishing Stone Farm. According to its website, the farm offers a range of services including horse boarding and training.
CTV News Toronto attempted to track down Pecile on the phone and at the farm. However, no one answered the door at the farm on Friday or has returned calls since.
The Ministry of the Solicitor General said it expects Pecile to appear at a provincial offences court date in January.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.