Severe attack on small dog leads to arrest and charges in Niagara

A man in the Niagara region city of Welland is facing charges after allegedly beating a small dog and assaulting police officers.

Niagara police say that around 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 30, officers were called to the Dennistoun Street and Hooker Street area to respond to an animal complaint call.

Police allege that a man was holding his Shih Tzu dog by the leash and strangling it. Police also allege the man smashed the dog into the railing of his front porch six times and then struck it with a long dark stick.

Police also allege the man punched the dog multiple times.

According to police, officers approached the man and asked him to hand over the dog, which he refused. Police say a struggle ensued and an officer was able to take the dog. When the man was told he was under arrest, he allegedly resisted and struck the officers multiple times in the head and face.

He was eventually arrested and the officers sustained minor injuries.

Police say Glen J. Ireland, 33, has been charged with causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal and assault with intent to resist arrest.

He was held in custody pending an Oct. 1 bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111 option 3, extension 1009287.

The article was updated to include new information from police