MOOSE JAW — A Saskatchewan man who broke into a Moose Jaw car dealership and abused a three-month-old puppy in Calgary has received his penalty from the courts.
Frederick Rousseau, 36, appeared in Moose Jaw Provincial Court by video on June 18 from the Edmonton Remand Centre, where he pleaded guilty to breaking into the vehicle business and to animal cruelty.
In turn, the judge sentenced him to 11 months (330 days) in jail and prohibited him from owning, having custody of, or controlling any bird or animal for 10 years. However, since he had already spent more than 10 months on remand, the judge considered that time served for these offences. Instead, he will continue spending time in Edmonton for other, unrelated offences.
The Crown stayed several other charges.
Rousseau broke into the Murray Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership on May 16, 2024, by prying open the door and then disabling the security system, Crown prosecutor Robbie Parker said while reading the facts. He then stole car keys, a laptop, a hockey jersey, blank cheques and a 2024 GMC Acadia SUV, which were valued at over $5,000.
Police found the man with the stolen items the next day in the Besant Campground west of Moose Jaw.
Meanwhile, on Nov. 17, 2020, Rousseau was in Calgary at a drop-in centre and had a three-month-old puppy with him, the Crown continued. Around 4:20 p.m., a witness heard and saw the man shout at the animal and kick it, prompting it to fall over. He then wrapped it up in a blanket and put it in his wagon.
The witness informed a security officer at the drop-in centre, who invited Rousseau into the building and kept him there until police came to arrest him, Parker added. A veterinarian later said that the man caused “unnecessary pain” to the animal but no lasting injuries; the Calgary Humane Society later took possession of the dog.
During his sentencing, Rousseau expressed concern with the order prohibiting him from having animals or birds. He said this may pose problems for him when he is looking for housing after his release, since the homeowner could have such animals.
Moreover, he said he was worried that he would be in breach of his release order if he were outside and a bird landed near him.
“… I want to move on with my life,” Rousseau added.
In response, Judge David Chow said being near an outdoor avian was not the issue in this situation. Instead, it was about the offender owning or caring for a bird or other animal.
The judge then amended the original wording of the prohibition order to address Rousseau’s concerns so he could be near animals or birds outside or in someone’s home.
Judge Chow also accepted the proposed sentence since he thought it was appropriate, while he waived the victim fund surcharge.
