Mental health diversion program possible for man

A 61-year-old Lethbridge man accused of neglecting his dogs may partly resolve his charges by enrolling in a mental health diversion program.

David Michael Petiot made a brief appearance Wednesday in Lethbridge provincial court where he was granted time to determine whether he is eligible for the program.

Mental health diversion is a pretrial procedure that allows an accused person to receive treatment and counselling to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. The accused normally does not have to admit guilt to an offence, and the Crown may stay or withdraw the charge if the accused is suffering from a mental illness which may be the underlying cause of the alleged criminal conduct.

However, duty counsel told court that although Petiot’s completion of the program could have an impact on the Crown’s position in the case, the charges may not be withdrawn.

Crown prosecutor Michael Fox agreed, and said the Crown will seek at least one guilty plea from the accused who is charged under the Animal Protection Act with causing or permitting dogs in his care to be in distress and failing to provide adequate care for wounded or ill dogs.

The Alberta SPCA announced the charges in May in relation to an investigation that began March 24 when two SPCA peace officers, with assistance from City of Lethbridge animal services, removed 101 dogs from a residence in the Varsity Village neighbourhood.

While the dogs were held at the Lethbridge Animal Shelter, three puppies were born, but the owner surrendered all 104 dogs to the SPCA on March 30.

The SPCA transferred ownership of the dogs to Lethbridge animal services and to the Calgary Humane Society, which are taking care of the animals until they are ready to be adopted.

The matter returns to court Sept. 6 to confirm whether Petiot is eligible for the program.

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