LYNDHURST, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 6, 2012) - On November 27, 2012, Jean WEEKS of Lyndhurst pled guilty under the Ontario SPCA Act to three counts of permitting distress. The counts included; one count for the dog, one count for the rabbit and one count for the 28 cats that were found by Ontario SPCA Officers to be living in deplorable conditions. WEEKS was found guilty of all three counts.
She was sentenced to two years probation, and has been ordered to pay a fine of $500 for each count, totaling $1,500. WEEKS also received a lifetime prohibition from owning, living with, or caring for an animal. The Ontario SPCA was granted inspection rights to verify compliance for the duration of the probation period. WEEKS was also ordered to pay $10,041.08 in restitution and ordered to undergo counseling.
The Ontario SPCA attended WEEKS' residence in September 2011 with a warrant after receiving a complaint about an abundance of cats living in substandard conditions.
Upon executing the warrant at the WEEKS residence, the Ontario SPCA found deplorable conditions including high ammonia levels and sick cats in an unhealthy living environment. A veterinarian was there to view the animals and the conditions they were living in. A veterinarian certificate was signed recommending the removal of the animals and the Ontario SPCA Agents removed 28 cats, one rabbit, and one dog.
Animals were taken to the Leeds and Grenville Ontario SPCA Branch after being checked by a veterinarian and received further care. The animals made a full recovery and have since been adopted out to their new forever homes.
"It is important as a responsible animal owner to ask yourself whether you can properly provide for all the needs of your animals. If the answer is 'no' then you need to reach out for help from your local Ontario SPCA or veterinarians for the options that are available," said Senior Inspector Wilkinson.
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.
OntarioSPCA.ca
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Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
Contact Information:
Alison Cross
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
905-853-2108
across@ospca.on.ca