BC SPCA officials call it one of the most disturbing cases they have encountered in recent memory. Kendall Goheen of Richmond has been charged with nine counts of animal cruelty under both the Criminal Code of Canada and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after he allegedly stabbed and killed three pets he co-owned with his ex-wife in October.
The family’s 70-pound boxer, Maza, and two cats, Pepper and Liston, suffered multiple stab wounds and trauma before being placed in a freezer in Goheen’s home. When the SPCA arrived at the scene Goheen refused to speak to the officers but left the bodies of the deceased pets in a Rubbermaid container outside his house. Chortyk says the evidence from the necropsy suggests that the animals were killed in an extremely brutal manner.
“It is truly horrible to think of the terror and pain that these animals suffered,” said Chortyk. “We can’t bring the animals back, but we can ensure that we do everything in our power to seek justice for them and to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.” She said a warrant has been issued for Goheen’s arrest. The accused is believed to be currently living in Saskatchewan.
No date has been set for Goheen’s first court appearance.
October 17, 2011
Charges pending against man suspected of killing family pets
BC SPCA constables are investigating a case in which a Richmond man allegedly killed a dog and two cats he co-owned with his ex-wife.
The accused is suspected of stabbing and inflicting other fatal injuries on the family’s 70-pound boxer and two cats before placing them in a freezer in the home.
When the BC SPCA was called to the scene the accused refused to speak to officers but placed the bodies of the deceased animals in a Rubbermaid container outside the residence.
The BC SPCA is awaiting necropsy results on the animals and will be recommending charges of animal cruelty in the case.
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.