Horrified by pictures of a small brown dog bound by electrical tape, about 20 people protested outside Windsor's provincial courthouse while the suspect in the case appeared for a bail hearing.
Michael Earl Hill faces a charge of willfully causing unnecessary pain/suffering or injury to an animal. In his first appearance on Tuesday, Justice Michael Hurst recused himself from the case explaining that he was a dog lover and wanted to avoid the appearance of any bias in the proceedings.
Corey Dauphin organized the protest saying images of the dog, who has since been named Justice, are heartbreaking.
"As long as he gets some sort of help, is never allowed to own a dog again and he stays in there (in custody) for Christmas."
The man who found Justice behind the Canadian Tire on Walker Rd. last week, Dean Cresswell attended the protest with his two dogs.
"You see something like that it just takes your breath away," he says. "Obviously, I attended to the dog. As soon as I saw him I covered him up. Called 911 and waited for the Humane Society and the police to show up."
Cresswell hopes the case encourages legislators to stiffen the penalties for animal abuse.
Hill's hearing was delayed for additional disclosure. He will appear in court via video on January 6 to set a date for a bail hearing.
with files from Maureen Revait
