“Tragically, one horse was found deceased on scene. Another was transported to an out-of-town veterinary hospital for emergency care. Several additional horses received treatment on site. In total, eight horses were targeted in this act of cruelty.” – from a report by the Niagara Regional Police
A Brief News Commentary by Doug Draper followed by a Niagara Regional Police report and a story from CBC
Posted August 3rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – We have had some pretty terrible acts of animal cruelty take place in Niagara in recent times, from puppies left to die on the side of a road to a dog dying in an abandoned apartment after every scrap of food and water, including every drop it could lap up from a toilet bowl, was gone.
As awful as those cases and others like them are – and the one involving that poor dog trapped in the apartment continues to haunt me – nothing prepared me for the news this August 1st that sometime during the overnight hours of this past July 30th or July 31st one or more individuals entered a horse ranch in south east rural Welland and shot to death one horse and cut or stabbed seven others.
I have long ago come to the conclusion that we humans are a flawed species with at least some of us capable of performing any cruel act imaginable upon each other or other living species on this planet. And this latest incident of cruelty, committed right here in our region on these magnificent animals simply confirms that.
Amanda Janssen, who is affiliated with the horse ranch, said on Facebook that there were “no words to describe the shock and devastation our barn staff and family felt as yesterday unfolded.”
“It felt like a terrible dream you were begging to wake up from.” She added. “The grief is heavy as we mourn the loss of a very special horse and the injuries of 7 others.”
If by chance the Niagara Regional Police are able to catch and charge whoever is responsible for this horrific act of cruelty, let’s hope that, if the person or persons are found guilty, they receive the maximum punishment possible under the law, including jail time.
To those who think I may be over-reacting, just remember that study after study has shown that those who perform cruel acts on animals are quite likely to go on and perform them on people, right up to and including murder.
There must be people out there who have some idea who may have attacked these horses and if they do, they should contact the police.
Here is a report on this act of cruelty posted by the Niagara Regional Police with contact information –
Horses Targeted in Animal Cruelty Incident in Welland
Posted on August 01, 2025
On July 31, 2025, detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau (Welland/Pelham) launched an investigation into a disturbing act of animal cruelty involving multiple horses.
The incident occurred overnight at a horse boarding farm located near Buchner Road and Highway 140 in Welland. During their morning routine, farm staff discovered that several horses had sustained injuries consistent with cuts or stab wounds.
Tragically, one horse was found deceased on scene. Another was transported to an out-of-town veterinary hospital for emergency care. Several additional horses received treatment on site. In total, eight horses were targeted in this act of cruelty.
The NRPS Forensic Services Unit (FSU) attended the scene and conducted a thorough examination for evidence. The investigation is ongoing.
The NRPS takes allegations of animal cruelty very seriously. Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009487.
To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online. Crime Stoppers may offer cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest.
To read a CBC news story on this incident, click on the following link – 1 horse dead, several injured at Welland, Ont., farm in ‘disturbing’ animal cruelty, police say | CBC News
A final comment from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large –
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