Boy charged after video of dogs hit by axe surfaces

A 12-year-old boy has been charged with animal cruelty after a video circulated of numerous dogs being struck with an axe.

At least one dog was killed in the “graphic video,” which was circulated in a youth group chat, Manitoba First Nations Police Service said in a news release Tuesday.

Police were able to identify the youth in the video and charged him, MFNPS said.

The boy, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, was released on conditions ahead of a court date.

The investigation continues and more charges are expected, police said.

MFNPS asked anyone with information about the video or group chat to contact the OCN detachment at 204-623-8201, the anonymous tips line at 1-833-978-0048 or email tips@mfnp.ca.