NORTH BAY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 2, 2016) - The Ontario SPCA is encouraged by the Animal Care Review Board's decision confirming that removing over 70 dogs from the home of Rebecca and Randy Ashworth of Trout Creek, ON was justified because the standards of care for the dogs were not being met.
In their decision, the Animal Care Review Board concluded that:
"The presence of over 70 dogs in the Ashworth house overpowered their ability to care for the dogs properly. It overpowered their ability to provide a sanitary living space, free from overgrown contaminants and a high parasite load. It overwhelmed their financial ability to provide veterinary care, even when they knew that over 10% of their dogs required a dental examination and might require veterinary intervention. The overcrowding and the unsanitary conditions put all the dogs in distress. Their removal was necessary to relieve this distress," according to the Decision and Order released by the Animal Care Review Board on March 01, 2016.
The Ontario SPCA thanks the North Bay & District Humane Society for their partnership in the housing, treatment and care for the over 70 dogs removed from the home of Rebecca and Randy Ashworth.
"The key concern for both the Ontario SPCA and the North Bay & District Humane Society was always to get immediate treatment and care for the dogs and to ensure that the ongoing needs of the dogs were met," says Senior Inspector Lynn Michaud, Ontario SPCA.
"There is no excuse to let an animal go without proper care," says Senior Inspector Lynn Michaud, Ontario SPCA. "If you are having difficulty providing appropriate care, contact the Ontario SPCA or your local SPCA or Humane Society to discuss available options and support."
On October 31, 2015, Michael, Randal and Rebecca Ashworth were charged with four counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act. The charges include one count of permitting an animal to be in distress and three counts of failing to comply with the Standards of Care.
Their charges remain before the Courts.
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:
Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 communities.
Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.
Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.
Adopt • Learn • Volunteer • Donate
Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
Contact Information:
Ontario SPCA
Lynn Michaud
Senior Inspector
705-920-0096