Kenora man pleads guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog
Ontario SPCA
Thursday, August 09, 2007
KENORA, ON, (August 9, 2007) – Robert Switzer, 49, of Kenora, Ontario pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora on July 26, 2007 to the Criminal Code of Canada charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an elderly female sheepdog named Grizly.Responding to a complaint February 23, 2006, an Ontario SPCA investigator attended Switzer’s residence and found the dog tied-up in the backyard shivering in very frigid weather. Her fur was matted to her skin and soaked in urine and feces, no food or water was present, and urine and feces covered the ground. The owner could not be found and the Ontario SPCA removed the dog to relieve her immediate distress and to provide the necessary care.
Sadly, veterinary examination revealed that the dog was suffering from long-term neglect. The dog was thin, blind, and had severe matting with an underlying skin disease due to chronic matting. The dog also appeared to suffer from psychological problems. Due to the dog’s physical condition and psychological distress the veterinarian recommended euthanasia as the only way to prevent the dog from further suffering.
Robert Switzer was sentenced to two years probation during which time the Ontario SPCA has bi-monthly property inspection rights to ensure Switzer’s family dog receives proper care. Switzer was also sentenced to pay restitution to the Society in the amount of $542.69 and to make a donation to the Society of $500.
To make a donation to the Ontario SPCA call Cathy at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 322.
To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA Kenora Branch at (807) 547-3598, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or police.
Media Contact:
Arista Wogenstahl
Inspector/Manager
Ontario SPCA Kenora Branch
Phone: (807) 547-3598
————————————————————————————————————————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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