Animal dies after being set on fire in Orillia parking lot: OPP
Provincial police are investigating arson after they say an animal was killed in Orillia.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Police say emergency services were called to a business parking lot at the Colborne Street East and West Street South intersection around 5 p.m. on Monday for a cat on fire.
Police say they will not disclose whether the cat was someone's pet or a stray.
No arrests have been made. Provincial police say the investigation will determine whether arson or animal cruelty charges should be laid in the case.
"Animals are deemed under the law as property. They are not deemed as sentient beings, and when I say sentient, I mean the ability to feel. You have to believe that the cat felt pain, stress, and fear. The people of Ontario need to understand that the people involved need to be held accountable at the highest level of the law," said animal advocate Donna Power.
Area residents and business owners want more to be done to enhance safety at the intersection, including installing city security cameras.
In the past year, the intersection has had two deaths, including a six-year-old girl in January who was struck by a vehicle and a 48-year-old man involved in a motorcycle crash this summer.
"The cops come in here all the time asking us for camera footage, and we're not able to provide that because we don't capture what happens in the parking lot or the intersection," said Rachel Francey, who works in the area.
Meanwhile, police are hopeful witnesses to Monday's incident will come forward.
"The intersection is extremely busy around 5 p.m.," police noted.
Police urge anyone with information, including dash camera or surveillance video of the incident, to contact the OPP's non-emergent line at 1-888-310-1122.
With files from CTV's Alessandra Carneiro
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates: Hurricane Milton leaves path of destruction in Florida
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
BREAKING Air Canada pilots vote in favour of new contract
Air Canada pilots have given a green light to a tentative agreement with the airline, dousing any fears of a future strike.
Jacob Hoggard abandons bid to challenge 2022 conviction before Canada's top court
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard is abandoning his bid to appeal his 2022 sexual assault conviction before Canada's top court.
Ontario man 'devastated' he owes $18,000 after 2 loans were fraudulently taken in his name
An Ontario man said he feels 'devastated' after learning his identity was stolen to take out two fraudulent loans under his name.
Fisher-Price infant swings recalled in Canada after 5 deaths reported
Several models of Fisher-Price infant swings have been recalled in Canada after the company received reports of fatalities link to affected products.
U.S. Republican says politician spreading conspiracy theories 'needs to have their head examined'
As U.S. officials struggle to push back against misinformation about natural disasters hitting the country, at least three congressional Republicans condemned conspiracy theories repeated by fellow members of their party.
Video shows violent robbery north of Toronto, suspects make off with suitcase full of cash: police
Police north of Toronto have released video of what they’re describing as a violent, targeted robbery in Thornhill, where suspects boxed in the victim’s car and made off with a suitcase filled with cash.
Twin boys born conjoined celebrate 1st birthday after separation surgery
Twin brothers who were born conjoined recently celebrated their first birthday after undergoing successful separation surgery.
opinion Melania Trump reveals surprising pen pal friendship with King Charles III
In her column for CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about the pen friendship we didn't see coming, between Melania Trump, the former first lady of the United States, and King Charles III.