Charges laid in animal cruelty case

Charges have been laid in a disturbing case of animal cruelty in Calgary.

Ottavio Pio Marchesan has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty after allegedly strangling up to three cats and throwing them in a Forest Lawn area garbage. Two of the kittens were recovered deceased, while one survived.

The young, black cat was last seen by a utility worker who saved it from the dumpster. The animal ran away and has not been seen since.

Sage Pullen McIntosh with the Calgary Humane Society says people are being asked to keep an eye out for the black kitten, because it may need veterinary care.

“We’re not sure if the cat is injured or what sate of health the cat is in,” she said. “We understand that the cat is young, four or five months old, and quite thin.”

The cats were found Monday in the 2800 block of 14 Avenue SE.

Police also discovered several rabbits in the back yard of the home, living in deplorable conditions. Marchesan said he was raising some of the rabbits for food. They have been handed over to the Calgary Humane Society. Traps have been set up to capture any loose bunnies still in the area.

The 75-year-old’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 20th. The Calgary Humane Society continues to investigate to determine if any additional charges will be laid.

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