Cornwall Man Receives 15-Year Ban on Owning Animals After Failing to Provide Dogs With Veterinary Care

CORNWALL, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 16, 2014) - On November 26, 2014, Kurtis Clarke of Cornwall, Ontario, was found guilty of six counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

The charges included:

• Two counts of causing distress to an animal
• Two counts of permitting distress to an animal
• Two counts of failing to provide veterinary medical attention

On July 25, 2014, Mr. Clarke called the Ontario SPCA stating that his dog was vomiting, had diarrhea and was lethargic. Ontario SPCA Officers made arrangements to have the dog immediately transported to the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Branch. The dog was deceased upon arrival.

An Ontario SPCA Officer later attended Mr. Clarke's residence to speak to him about the deceased dog. Mr. Clarke did not answer but a foul smell of dirt and blood, typically associated with canine parvovirus, was observed. There was also blood smeared on the door. Officers also heard another dog barking inside the residence.

On July 28, 2014, Ontario SPCA Officers received a voicemail from Mr. Clarke stating that his second dog was now vomiting and had bloody diarrhea. He stated that he had no money to treat the dog and wanted to surrender it to the Ontario SPCA.

Upon arrival to collect the dog, it was deceased. Mr. Clarke informed Ontario SPCA Officers that neither of the dogs had been vaccinated, and admitted he had not sought medical treatment for either of them.

Mr. Clarke was sentenced to a 15-year prohibition from living with, caring for or owning any animals. He also received two years probation in which he must report a change of address to the Ontario SPCA and must allow Ontario SPCA Officers access to his property to ensure compliance. Mr. Clarke was also fined $1,200.

"The Ontario SPCA reminds pet owners that if you have concerns for the welfare of your animal, there are alternatives other than allowing an animal to go without adequate care," says Steve Toy, Senior Inspector.

Contact your local Ontario SPCA to discuss our available services. To report cruelty, please call 310-SPCA or email your concern to cruelty@ospca.on.ca.

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.

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