Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog

WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers.

A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year.

Dax the dog was found dead in a wooded area of Sault Ste. Marie.

Jason Howson of Sault Ste. Marie was sentenced Friday after admitting to hanging his dog, Dax, from a tree on May 23.

The court heard that a man working on a roof heard "what sounded like a female scream two times from a forested area across from MacDonald Avenue," around 3:30 p.m. that day.

A male wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and sunglasses was then seen running out of the wooded area and to a nearby apartment building.

Police were called to the scene at 55 Black Road and after a short search, found a dead medium black lab with a muzzle, collar and leash tied to a fallen tree.

Officers then went to the apartment building to where the suspect was seen fleeing and spoke to the superintendent and a neighbour.

They were told two tenants had dogs matching the description of the deceased animal and police spoke to both.

Court heard that Howson initially told police his dog had gone missing earlier that day, but later admitted to hanging the dog until it stopped breathing.

He also explained he had tied the dog to a fallen tree until he could come back and bury it.

Howson was in the same clothing the suspect had been described wearing when police spoke to him at his apartment.

'Problem' dog needed to be euthanized

The court heard Howson had adopted the dog "knowing it had some problems" after seeing it on Facebook, hoping to be able to "fix" its behaviour with patience and love.

Dax was a lab/Doberman mix.

As part of the agreed statement of facts, the court heard the dog was vicious and could not be around people because it had bitten a few children and his girlfriend.

Howson lost visitation of his children because of the dog and didn't have the money to have it euthanized.

He reached out to a local rescue for help rehoming the dog but was told he would still be civilly responsible if the dog bit more people or caused damage.

Dax, a black lab-doberman mix was found dead in a wooded area of Sault Ste. Marie on May 23, 2024. His owner pleaded guilty to hanging him. (Facebook/For Dax)

Not being in a good financial position, that was too risky for him.

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The Crown confirmed when Howson inquired about euthanasia through the local humane society, he was told it would be about $400 and that there was a long waiting list.

Being raised on a farm, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

He had no history of animal abuse prior to the incident.

A roadside memorial was created in memory of Dax by neighbours.

Roadside memorial set up for Dax, a dog found dead in a wooded area of Sault Ste. Marie. (Facebook)

Conditional sentence

Because the Crown decided to pursue the case summarily, the maximum penalty for willfully causing death to an animal is two years less a day.

"This was clearly a terrible act of violence. That is why a custodial sentence is appropriate," Justice JP Condon said.

The judge accepted the joint submission by the Crown and defence asking for a six-month conditional sentence, a lifetime ban on owning animals and two years probation.

Howson had no criminal record and Condon was satisfied he would not endanger the safety of the community.

The first three months will be under house arrest with exceptions for medical emergencies or written approval from supervisor.

For the remaining three months, he will be bound by a curfew and is ordered to remain in his home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day.

He is not allowed to consume alcohol or non-prescription drugs during the conditional sentence and is prohibited from having weapons during that time.

Howson has also been directed to attend counselling, including for anger management.

Consequences

The court heard Howson has struggled mentally, professionally and socially because of his behaviour, but that he has acknowledged his wrongdoing and accepts responsibility.

He lost his job due to the charge and has received online comments that the judge said constituted death threats, the pre-sentencing report said.

"Two wrongs don't make a right. Comments have been detrimental to his mental health and don't bring the dog back," Condon said.

"They are a consequence that will long outlast any sentence I impose."

While Howson is not currently working, he faces jail time if he breaches his conditional sentence.