The second time was good for the ex-owner of the Expedition Mi-Loup kennel, who finally saw his early release granted, he who had to serve 23 months in prison for the cruel killing of numerous dogs.
Antoine Simard received his prison sentence in May 2025, after being found guilty of killing, injuring or mutilating dogs, causing them unnecessary suffering and failing to provide them with proper food, shelter and care.
Photos filed at trial
In its first decision rendered at the end of August 2025, the Quebec Parole Commission had also justified its refusal by arguing “the objective seriousness of the offenses”.
His speech “imbued with disempowerment and justification” had also been criticized when he seemed to “position himself as a victim” in the eyes of the Commission, which therefore qualified his request as “premature”, thus inviting him to continue his reflection in detention.
Archive photo Dominique Lelièvre
Recognition of facts
The owner of the deceased kennel, where husky dogs used for sleigh rides were mistreated, in particular due to an overpopulation problem between 2008 and 2022, seems to have understood the message as he now recognizes most of the accused actions.
Photo filed at trial
“You admit to having used certain methods to kill dogs, including those that were too old, sick or injured, by gas chambers and by breaking the necks of puppies,” the decision explains.
“You say that you were faced with overcrowding at the kennel. You then placed the corpses in the freezer while waiting for a renderer to come and collect them. You say that you proceeded early in the morning or late in the evening so as not to be seen,” it continued.
Photos filed at trial
The Commission therefore judged that the 45-year-old man today takes greater responsibility for the actions taken and that he is able to identify the consequences of his choices, for the animals, for his immediate family and for all the people involved in the tourism industry in the Île d’Orléans region.
Remember that according to MAPAQ reports and its judgment, Simard is responsible for the deaths of numerous adult dogs and puppies, using different methods to kill these animals, either by hanging, by firearm, by asphyxiation in a homemade gas chamber, by breaking the neck and by freezing.
Photo filed at trial
Low risk
In its decision, the Commission notes that since the refusal of the temporary absence in preparation for parole, the latter has continued his involvement in social reintegration programs and used the resources available in detention.
The level of risk of recidivism of someone who presents as a release plan, a stay in a halfway house with targeted programs in order to work on risk factors has also been established as “low”. The latter also says he would like to get involved with a resource for men.
The commissioners therefore came to the conclusion that the favorable elements are more decisive and believe that a conditional release will promote his social reintegration while ensuring public safety.
Remember that he is, however, subject to a 3-year probation order, with conditions to be respected, and an order prohibiting him from being the owner of an animal or a bird, from having custody or control of it and from living in a place where there is an animal or a bird, except a pet.
