Colborne, ON – A 58-year-old woman has been charged under provincial animal welfare legislation following an investigation that resulted in 57 dogs and four cats being removed from a home in Colborne.
An Ontario SPCA officer executed a warrant on March 21, 2018 at a home in Colborne after receiving a concern relating to the health of a large number of dogs on the property. Upon entering the house, the officer discovered a large number of Golden Retriever-type dogs in poor body condition that were living in unsanitary conditions.
Orders were issued under the Ontario SPCA Act to have the dogs examined by a veterinarian, develop a nutrition plan with a veterinarian and to improve sanitation and ventilation within the home.
The Ontario SPCA attempted to work with the owner to gain compliance of regulatory standards of care outlined under provincial animal welfare legislation. However, ongoing concerns for the welfare of the animals necessitated their removal. The Ontario SPCA executed a warrant on June 13, 2018 and removed 57 dogs and four cats under the certificate of a veterinarian. The animals are currently in the custody of the Ontario SPCA and are receiving the care they require.
The owner has been charged with:
· Permitting dogs to be in distress
· Failing to provide adequate and appropriate food and water
· Failing to provide adequate medical attention
· Failing to provide the care necessary for general welfare
· Failing to provide an adequate and appropriate resting and sleeping area
· Failing to provide a space to enable the animal to move naturaly and to exercise
· Failing to provide sanitary condtions
· Failing to provide ventilation
The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on August 15, 2018.
“If you find yourself in a position where you have more animals than you can properly care for, reach out to your local Ontario SPCA Animal Centre or Humane Society to discuss your options,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Deputy Chief Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “Failing to provide your animals with the care they require is not an option.”
To report animal cruelty, contact the Ontario SPCA’s province-wide animal cruelty hotline at 310-SPCA (7722).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
