Ontario SPCA officials are happy to hear that convicted animal abuser Robert Tomlin has a lifetime ban from owning pets.
But they can't help but wonder if a stiffer sentence would be more appropriate.
Tomlin pleaded guilty Thursday to an animal cruelty charge in connection with an alleged dog fighting ring in the Tilbury area. He was sentenced to four months house arrest, but no jail time.
By comparison, a Windsor man who pleaded guilty to tying up a dog's mouth and paws and leaving it to die was sentenced to two years in prison in 2016.
Deputy Chief with the OSPCA Jennifer Bluhm says jail time would have served as a good deterrent, but the lifetime ban on animal ownership is key.
"Having accused not be able to own, care for or reside where animals are kept is probably more important than jail time as far as keeping animals safe," says Bluhm.
However, Bluhm also adds that seeing a jail sentence in the Windsor case shows animal cruelty is being taken seriously in the province.
"It's certainly good to hear there are cases such as the one in Windsor that are receiving appropriate sentences and jail time," says Bluhm. "I hope that is the trend across Ontario."
Two more people are still facing charges in connection with the alleged Tilbury dog fighting ring. Co-accused John Robert and Michael Gagnon are due in court on September 25 to set a trial date.
