DOG DEATHS CASE DELAYED

Summons wasn’t served to accused

Owners of dogs that died from heat stroke and dehydration at a private kennel in Saskatoon last September will have to wait to see kennel owner David L. Deplaedt in court.

Deplaedt, 50, was scheduled to make a first appearance in Saskatoon provincial court on Wednesday, but defence lawyer Scott Spencer, who appeared in court as a courtesy, told the judge there has been “no effort to initiate this charge,” and that Deplaedt was only aware of the charge from hearing about it on the news.

Deplaedt, owner of Playful Paws, is charged with causing an animal to be in distress, contrary the Saskatchewan Animal Protection Act.

“We will find Mr. Deplaedt and he will be served,” Crown prosecutor Robin Ritter said.

The matter is expected to return to court May 9, pending a summons being served on the accused.

Dawn Loessin, whose daughter’s therapy dog, Linc, was among the 14 large dogs that died at the facility on Sept. 10, was one of several people who attended court Wednesday to see the accused kennel owner.

She said the delay is “a little unsettling,” although she believes it’s just a “hiccup” in the process.

She was annoyed to hear Deplaedt has indicated he could be available to be served with his summons this week, she said.

“He’s treating this like it’s a joke. It’s not a joke and we’re not laughing.”

An investigation undertaken by the Saskatoon SPCA and city police previously concluded the animals were left unattended and without water overnight in a room that was “dangerously warm.”

If found guilty, Deplaedt could face up to two years in jail, a fine of up to $25,000 and be banned from keeping animals.

Patricia Cameron, executive director of the Saskatoon SPCA, has said the investigation into the dog deaths was long and thorough, adding she does not think the society has ever been involved in a case where so many animals died.

Loessin said she has been in contact with other people who lost their dogs at Playful Paws.

Along with supporters, they plan to lobby the government to strengthen animal protection legislation.