A Toronto-based streamer arrested in a viral animal cruelty case has been denied the return of his dog and has to pay for her ongoing care.
Lionel ‘lildealy’ Howse lost a legal bid to regain custody of his female Labrador, Peaches, after a tribunal ruled she should remain out of his control. The decision follows months of backlash over disturbing clips captured during his live broadcasts.
On September 10, Howse was arrested after allegedly abusing Peaches on stream. Investigators acted after weeks of online outrage and a formal complaint to Ontario animal welfare authorities.
The creator faces criminal charges including uttering threats against animals and willfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal. The charges were laid after multiple videos showed Howse yelling at Peaches and allegedly threatening to kill her.
In one widely shared viral clip, the streamer is seen saying he would “snap her neck.” The videos sparked a coordinated effort by advocacy pages to track his movements and alert officials.
Animal protection group Fur Warriors and similar accounts monitored Howse while he attended a streaming event in Texas. The case only moved forward once Howse returned to Canada with border officers and Toronto investigators coordinating his arrest.
Lildealy was subsequently banned on Kick following the arrest.
Kick streamer loses bid to get his dog back after concerning clips go viral
According to reporting from the Toronto Star, Howse filed an application to have Peaches returned through the Ontario Animal Care Review Board. The tribunal rejected the request in a December 19 ruling.
The board concluded that video evidence clearly demonstrated the use of force against Peaches. Veterinarian testimony played a key role in the outcome.
Dr. Nicola Jackson, a veterinarian with Animal Welfare Services, told the tribunal that Howse’s actions were abusive and caused Peaches to suffer both physical and psychological harm.
Jackson described visible signs of fear and anxiety in the dog during the streams. She noted that Peaches crouched, cowered, and held her ears down and back when Howse approached her.
“These are all indicators of negative feelings experienced during either a perceived or anticipated threat to her safety,” Jackson testified.
The vet added that Peaches was subjected to undue hardship and a troubling pattern of behaviour from her owner.
Howse attempted to defend himself by arguing he was playing a character for entertainment. He claimed the threats were exaggerated for effect and not genuine.
As part of his appeal, the streamer played another clip he insisted proved Peaches was well cared for. The adjudicator was not persuaded.
In later submissions, Howse conceded that Peaches needed to be removed from him. He asked that she instead be released to his parents in Newfoundland.
He told the tribunal he was planning to relocate to Newfoundland to live with his family. He argued Peaches should be allowed to join them there.
Adjudicator Alisa Chaplick denied this request and found that transferring custody to Newfoundland could place the dog in further risk of harm.
In addition to losing custody, Howse was ordered to cover the costs of Peaches’ ongoing care. The amount is slightly over $800 USD, or about $1,100 in Canadian dollars.
Howse’s next court appearance in the criminal case is scheduled for January 15. Further penalties could follow if he is convicted.
