44 animals removed from property in City of Kawartha Lakes: Investigation ongoing
Ontario SPCA
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
LINDSAY, ON, (November 07, 2006) – An investigation is ongoing following the removal of 36 dogs, four cats, two cockatiels, one turtle and one lizard from a property in the City of Kawartha Lakes area, located 30 minutes north of Lindsay, on November 3, 2006.The Ontario SPCA attended the property following a complaint from the City of Kawartha Lakes Municipal Law Enforcement Office. While executing a search warrant investigators from the Victoria County Humane Society and Ontario SPCA discovered 36 dogs in inadequate conditions, which included lack of food and water, overcrowding within kennels, poor ventilation and excessive fecal matter. One dog was found outside with a matted coat caked in feces and mud.
In addition, four cats, two cockatiels, one turtle and one lizard were found without food and water. The lizard appeared to be lethargic and the end of its tail necrotic (death of tissues through injury or disease). A search by Ontario SPCA investigators revealed no pet food at the property for feeding the animals.
On the written recommendation of the attending veterinarian the animals were removed immediately to receive proper care and be placed in proper living conditions. The dogs were determined by a veterinarian to have various health issues including dental and eye ailments, poor body condition, poor skin condition, overgrown nails, luxating patellas (a knee problem and cause of lameness in dogs) and inadequate socialization.
The dogs range in age from a few weeks to adult and include Boston terriers, Pekinese, dachshunds, bulldogs and a standard poodle and standard schnauzer. Twenty-three of the dogs and the two birds were taken to the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch where they were examined by a veterinarian and are receiving care. The remaining animals are currently at a veterinary clinic being examined and treated. The animals are in protective custody and are not available for adoption.
The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. Under amendments made to the Ontario SCPA Act in 2002, breeders of dogs or cats for sale face fines up to $60,000 and up to two years in jail for failing to meet acceptable standards of care for their animals.
To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 1, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA branch, affiliated humane society or police.
Media Contact:
Connie Mallory
Senior Inspector Eastern Ontario
1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) ext. 318
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 branches and affiliated humane societies relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation for all animals, government and industry advocacy, and public education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Ontario SPCA Provincial Office, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR3 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4W1 • 1 888 ONT-SPCA (688-7722) • www.ontariospca.ca • info@ospca.on.ca
Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
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