Animal dies after being set on fire in Ontario; man facing charges: police

A man is facing charges after an animal was set on fire in Ontario last month, police say.

Ontario Provincial Police said that on Sept. 16, emergency crews responded to the area of West Street South and Colborne Street East in Orillia for an animal complaint.

“Upon arrival, an accelerant was discovered and sadly the animal that was the subject of the complaint was deceased,” the OPP said.

A police spokesperson confirmed to INsauga.com that it’s believed the animal died as a result of being set on fire. The spokesperson wouldn’t say what type of animal it was.

Police later received video footage of a person of interest and released a suspect description.

#OrilliaOPP is seeking the public’s assistance in an arson investigation following an animal complaint on Sept 16 at Colborne St E & West St S in the @cityoforillia. Police are urging anyone with info to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or @CrimeSDM at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) ^gd pic.twitter.com/tg9j5yWWUL

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) September 20, 2024

Videos

“Before the incident, the individual was seen on the south side of Colborne Street East, crossing north at the crosswalk,” the OPP previously said.

“They then walked diagonally through a gas station parking lot, disappearing behind a building. Within moments, the individual emerges from the location where the incident occurred.”

On Tuesday, police announced that as a result of help from the public, an arrest was made.

Orillia resident Andrew Senechal, 29, has been charged with cruelty to animals, arson — damage to property, and mischief — damage to property.