Hamilton police are investigating after a mob of protestors confronted a local dog boarder Wednesday night. It comes after two pet owners told CHCH News that their dogs died in the care of Jessica Kippen this weekend.
Police say they’re investigating an assault with a weapon, a break and enter as well as the theft of a dog at Kippen’s west Hamilton address.
Police say while they respect the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly there is a distinction between activism and criminality.
Videos posted online show dozens gathered around a car that Kippen was spotted in with someone appearing to throw a water bottle at her.
Hamilton police say they arrived on scene and escorted Kippen to safety.
In a media release issued Thursday, police said protestors “tried to pull the woman from her vehicle” and that “she was assaulted and her phone stolen in the process.” They added that an investigation discovered “the victim’s residence had been broken into and her dog had been stolen.”
Pet owner Trisha Dertinger told CHCH News, “I was probably here until about 2 o’clock in the morning last night.” “I think people are just really upset, I think they’re irate.”
Kippen is accused of causing the death of at least two dogs in her care this weekend. Cartelo a pocket bully puppy left her address in a body bag on Tuesday. After his death, she stored him in her freezer. On Wednesday, another pet owner came forward to say her rescue Sammy died within hours of Cartelo.
A group of protestors is still outside the business address. They say at least one dog is still in a freezer inside and they plan to stay put until the Provincial Animal Welfare Service PAWS takes action.
Wednesday night protestors posted a video that appears to show a Hamilton police officer speaking with Ontario Animal Welfare saying “There’s information today that there’s a second dog in the freezer. So that’s what the issue is… we called PAWS and made them aware of that as well.”
Animal welfare advocate Carol Andrews said, “This is somebody’s pet that’s inside that freezer. But whose?” “PAWS needs to get here and needs to deal with this.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General which enforces PAWS confirmed on Thursday that there is an active investigation into this matter and couldn’t provide more details.
To date, there are no known charges against the dog boarder. The city has issued several administrative penalties including operating without a licence in 2023.
In a statement posted to X, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath says the city is continuing to investigate whether Kippin is operating a kennel without a permit.
Police say while they encourage peaceful protest, individuals found breaking the law will be charged accordingly.
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