Police arrest 2 people in animal welfare dispute

Two men have been arrested following an altercation when police responded to an animal welfare complaint.

Canon City police officers were asked to check on a small dog that had been left out in the cold on Wednesday. A neighbor told police the dog was sitting on a leash outside the owner’s home, whimpering because it was cold. Police found a snow-filled dog house and a frozen water bowl.

Police say the owner refused to bring his dog inside and scuffled with police when they tried to arrest him.

James Rowe is facing charges of assault on a police officer. Police also arrested Justin Pratt on similar charges when he tried to intervene.