Huntsville Man Pleads Guilty to One Charge Under the Ontario SPCA Act

BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 15, 2012) - On September 6, 2012, Charles Hamilton, 60, of Huntsville, Ontario, pleaded guilty under the Ontario SPCA Act, to one count of causing distress to his dog.

In February of this year, the Ontario SPCA received a report from a Veterinarian regarding a dog that had been brought into their clinic. Under the Ontario SPCA Act, Veterinarian's are required to report suspected cases of animal cruelty. The white shepherd-mix dog, named "Casey", had been kept at Hamilton's property on a chain in the yard and was found to be in thin body condition with a necrotic lesion on her hip, dried fecal and dirt material in her fur and around her neck. Casey also had an embedded collar where her skin had grown over and around it on her neck, indicating a significant lack of attention by her owner.

"If providing for an animal in your care becomes difficult, it's important to take the appropriate steps to ensure that the animal's health isn't compromised," says Senior Inspector Toy. "Contact your local Ontario SPCA or Veterinarian to see what options are available."

Mr. Hamilton's sentence includes a 5 year prohibition from owning, caring for or living with any animal and a $500 fine.

The Ontario SPCA reminds pet owners that if you have concerns for the welfare of your animal there are other alternatives then allowing an animal to go without. 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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