Richmond man charged for stabbing Pomeranian dog 61 times

Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against Richmond resident Artyom Goncharuk for stabbing a three-year-old Pomeranian dog 61 times.

On September 15, RCMP were called to the 27-year-old man’s residence and discovered the lifeless body of the dog named Kaylly.

Following an investigation that began last fall, Goncharuk was arrested in connection with the charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

“The necropsy results show that an extremely disturbing level of violence was inflicted on this poor dog,” reads a statement by Marcie Moriarty, B.C. SPCA Chief Prevention and Enforcement Officer.

If found guilty in court, Goncharuk faces a prison sentence of up to five years, a maximum fine of $75,000 and a potential lifetime ban on owning animals.