Vars Man Pleads Guilty to Punishing German Shepherd by Dragging Him Behind Truck

In March 2014, Adrien Paquette tied the two-year-old dog to his vehicle and dragged him about a half kilometre, witnesses told Ottawa Humane Society agents. After the crime, Tyson was surrendered to the OHS to get the medical care he needed for cuts and scrapes to his paws and mouth and a terrible ear infection not related to the abuse.

Tyson on adoption day with his new family.

Paquette, 73, pleaded guilty June 22 to unnecessarily causing suffering to Tyson, causing him injury and uttering threats to the people who had intervened. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2.

Tyson healed quickly after getting the love and care you helped us provide that he was soon ready for his new forever family. Latest report is that Tyson is happy and healthy! Help us be there for the next animal in need.

Keep Pets Safe This Summer With Tips From the OHS

While a house full of guests capping off a party with backyard fireworks may sound like a fun was to spend a summer night, to your pets that same experience can be a harrowing misadventure fraught with danger at every turn.

But all it takes is some advanced planning with pets in mind to ensure Fluffy and Fido enjoy the warm weather as much as their human companions. Here are eight tips to keep your pets safe during vacation season:

1. Ensure your pet has proper ID. If a barbecue guest accidentally lets your pet out, how can you give her the best possible chance of finding her way home? Be sure to microchip your pet and to use a collar and tag.
2. Never leave your pet alone in a hot car. Animals can suffer serious injury and even death. Please call the OHS emergency line at 613-725-1532 if you see an animal alone in a car on a hot day.
3. Pets are terrified of fireworks. If there are going to be fireworks, leave your pet at home. Pets at home can also be stressed from the noise caused by fireworks. Keep your pets in a quiet room, with food and water, during and after the fireworks to keep them calm.
4. If your pet spends lots of time outside, make sure there is shelter from the sun and heat. Keep clean, fresh water must accessible at all times.
5. Monitor your pet’s outdoor activities. Watch for signs of heat stress, like excessive panting, disorientation, an anxious expression and weakness. Call your vet right away if your pet has signs of heat stress.
6. When the heat and humidity rise, be especially careful with short-nosed dogs (pugs, bull-dogs, etc.) and older animals. Exercise your pets in the early morning and/or late evening to avoid the midday heat. When you take your dog out for exercise, bring a portable water container.
7. Asphalt can burn your dog’s paws — keep to the sidewalk or grass on walks.
8. Talk to your vet about flea and tick prevention.