Hanover Man Sentenced After Torturing and Beating Three Cats

GREY-BRUCE COUNTY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 13, 2013) - A Hanover man convicted under the Criminal Code after torturing and beating three cats has been sentenced.

Steven Marshall was convicted of 5 counts under the Criminal Code and sentenced to six months in jail, three years' probation and a 10 year prohibition from living with, caring for, or owning an animal.

Mr. Marshall also received a weapons prohibition and mandatory DNA order.

On three separate incidents, over the period of one week, three separate cats were tortured and beaten by Mr. Marshall. Two of the cats died and one cat was seriously injured. The two cats that died were stray cats picked up by Mr. Marshall. The third cat belonged to Mr. Marshall's roommate.

The post-mortems revealed almost identical injuries with all three cats, including broken ribs, brain hemorrhage, broken teeth, bruising and swelling in the eyes, head and body, and all with broken necks at the same vertebrae.

In sentencing, the Judge called the crimes "deliberate and abhorrent" and "cruelty in the highest order".

"This was a horrible case of animal cruelty," said Darren Grandel, Senior Inspector. "No animal should ever have to suffer; we encourage the public to call anytime they see acts of cruelty like this."

The Ontario SPCA reminds pet owners that if you have concerns for the welfare of your animal there are other alternatives than allowing an animal to go without adequate care. Contact your local Ontario SPCA and we can discuss what services are available. To report cruelty please call 1-888-668-7722 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.

Ontario SPCA is mandated under the Ontario SPCA Act to enforce animal welfare legislation and 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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