ELGIN, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 18, 2014) - On August 6, 2014, Mr. Earl Lake of Elgin, Ontario, was found guilty of eight counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.
The charges included:
- Two counts of permitting an animal to be in distress
- Two counts of failing to comply with an order
- Two counts of failing to comply with prescribed standards of care for an animal's general welfare
- Two counts of failing to comply with prescribed standards of care - sanitary conditions
On February 23, 2012, a concern for dogs with short tethers and thin horses was reported to the Ontario SPCA. Ontario SPCA Officers attended the residence the following day and issued orders under the Ontario SPCA Act to Mr. Lake.
On March 12, Ontario SPCA Officers attended the residence to check compliance of the orders, and it was determined that Mr. Lake had failed to comply. As a result, a veterinarian issued a veterinary certificate to have the animals removed from his care, which included 40 Walker/Hound-type dogs and 148 assorted fowl.
Mr. Lake was sentenced by the court and received a lifetime prohibition from owning, caring for or living with any animals. He was ordered to surrender his cats, dogs, and fowl to the Ontario SPCA, and was placed under a one-year probationary period during which time the Ontario SPCA can inspect his property to ensure compliance. He was granted permission to have two horses remain in his care.
"Reports made to the Ontario SPCA of concerns for the welfare of animals are taken very seriously," says Ontario SPCA Senior Inspector Steve Toy.
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.
OntarioSPCA.ca
Adopt - Learn - Volunteer - Donate
Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
Contact Information:
Ontario SPCA, Provincial Office
Brad Dewar
Investigation & Communications Officer
289-383-3503