Westport Man Pleads Guilty to Five Counts of Animal Cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act

WESTPORT, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 6, 2014) -

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On September 10, 2014, James Blair, of Westport, Ontario, pled guilty to five counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

On April 3, 2014, a red /white face beef cow was observed at the Ottawa Livestock Exchange. Once the cow was examined by an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) appointed veterinarian, it was found that both of the cow's horns were grown into both sides of its face.

The horn on the left side of the head was grown into the orbit of the left eye. The horn on the right side of the head was grown into the soft tissue on the right side of the face.

Under the direction of a veterinarian the cow was humanely euthanized.

On April 21, 2014, an Ontario SPCA Officer and a representative of the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) attended the property of James Blair in Westport, Ontario.

Mr. Blair admitted to shipping three cows to the sales barn on April 3, 2014, including the one with the horns grown into the face. Mr. Blair stated the cow was approximately 10 years old and that he noticed the horns growing into the face approximately two years ago. Mr. Blair stated the cow was in good shape and was eating so he thought she was fine.

Mr. Blair was sentenced to a lifetime prohibition from caring for, living with or owning an animal with the exception of fowl and the dog currently in his possession. Mr. Blair was also ordered to pay $500 fine.

"The Ontario SPCA works closely with agencies like OMAFRA and with our commodity groups like Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) to address concerns for the welfare of animals," says Steve Toy, Senior Inspector.

To report a concern for the welfare of an animal please call 310-SPCA (7722) or contact us by email at 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

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Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002

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