The trial into the death of Teddy the dog in the Cowichan Valley was adjourned Friday morning after defence lawyer Scott Sheets withdrew as counsel due to personal circumstances.
Sheets has two weeks to find a replacement counsel On March 29, the case will be back in court.
The mixed-breed, medium sized dog, dubbed Teddy, was found emaciated, chained and in critical distress on Feb. 16, 2018. He died two days later.
Anderson Joe, 62, pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary pain, suffering and injury to the dog and failing to provide it with food, water and shelter in February 2018.
Melissa Tooshley was Joe’s co-accused in the case. She pleaded guilty on Feb.27 to failing to provide the necessities to the dog. She was removed as a co-accused on Friday and could still be called as a witness.
The judge has ordered transcripts of the trial so witnesses who already testified don’t have to repeat the process.
Approximately 10 people protested outside the Duncan courthouse on Friday and the public gallery was full during the proceedings.
Protestors gather in Duncan on Friday before the high-profile animal abuse trial resumes.
CHEK News
