A Kelowna man has been charged with animal cruelty for causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a dog in December 2023. 

Crown counsel approved the charges against Zachary Petropolis on March 3.

鈥淲e received a number of calls into the BC SPCA鈥檚 Animal Helpline about this individual abusing his dog,鈥� said Eileen Drever, BC SPCA鈥檚 senior officer of protection. 鈥淲e initiated an investigation and were able to recommend charges when we received disturbing CCTV footage showing him putting his dog in a choke hold, slamming the dog down onto the floor by the legs and then kicking the dog.鈥� 

The dog was seized by the BC SPCA and has been successfully re-homed. 

Following his first court appearance, the 29-year-old was released with conditions including that he is not to have custody or control of any animal, including his fish. 

Petropolis' next court appearance is March 27.