A Woodstock woman has been found guilty of animal cruelty in connection with the neglect of a dog in her care.
The 49-year-old woman pleaded guilty in Woodstock court to failing to provide medical attention, permitting distress, and failing to comply with an Order. The Ontario SPCA Act charges were laid after the OSPCA was alerted to the condition of a dog at the woman's home. According to the OSPCA, one of its officers went to the home on March 22, 2017. The officer found an approximately 10-year-old West Highland Terrier mix that was suffering from extreme hair loss and scaly skin over its entire body. The dog was lethargic and was observed biting and chewing its hind end.
The woman was given an OSCPA Act order to have the dog examined by a veterinarian and to follow the treatment recommended by the veterinarian. When she failed to bring the dog to a scheduled check-in with the veterinarian, her home was searched and the dog was removed. An examination of the dog showed that it was suffering from environmental allergies and an ear infection. The dog was treated and later sent to live in a different home.
“A lack of finances is not an excuse to allow an animal to suffer,” says Carol Vanderheide, a senior inspector with Ontario SPCA. “There will be consequences under the law if you fail to provide appropriate care for your animals or if you fail to take steps to alleviate an animal’s suffering.”
The woman was sentenced to a five-year prohibition from owning, or having custody, or living with any animals, with the exception of three dogs and two cats currently in her care. She is also subject to voluntary inspections by the Ontario SPCA semi-annually during her prohibition period and was ordered by the Justice of the Peace to pay $575 in restitution to the Ontario SPCA.
