{
  "id": 954732,
  "title": "New trial ordered for B.C. man convicted in killing of ex-girlfriend’s chihuahua",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/new-trial-ordered-for-b-c-man-convicted-in-killing-of-ex-girlfriends",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T04:43:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12022733/new-trial-bc-man-convicted-killing-ex-girlfriends-chihuahua/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The BC Court of Appeal has ordered a new trial for Randeep Ghataura, a 45-year-old man convicted of the killing of his ex-girlfriend's tiny chihuahua, according to Global News. Ghataura was initially sentenced to four months in jail, three years probation, and a 20-year ban on animal ownership in February 2025. Ghataura appealed his conviction, arguing that the trial judge failed to consider the mental element of the offence and misinterpreted expert evidence. The B.C. Court of Appeal agreed unanimously, stating that the trial judge's reasons were \"largely silent\" on the issue of the mental element, which required proof of Ghataura's intent to injure the dog or recklessness as to that result. The appellate court remitted the case for a new trial, citing the critical importance of considering the mental element due to the nature of the expert evidence. Jeannine Chiasson, Ghataura's ex-girlfriend, expressed disappointment with the decision but stated she remains committed to seeking justice.",
  "summary": "Randeep Ghataura, 45, was convicted in October 2024 of willfully killing, wounding or injuring an animal, and sentenced in February 2025 to four months in jail.",
  "key_points": [
    "B.C. Court of Appeal orders new trial for Randeep Ghataura",
    "Ghataura convicted for killing ex-girlfriend's chihuahua",
    "Mental element of offence not considered in original trial"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The appeal court's ruling means the case will be re-examined, focusing on the mental element of the offence and Ghataura's intent or recklessness in killing the chihuahua.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}