Kerwood woman faces animal cruelty charges following removal of 28 animals from a Kerwood animal facility
Ontario SPCA
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
NEWMARKET, ON, (September 11, 2007) – Following the removal of 28 animals by the Ontario SPCA and London Humane Society, including 12 wolves, three wolf-dog hybrids, three raccoons, one red fox, three coyotes, and six shepherd-type dogs, from a property in the Township of Adelaide-Metcalfe, Vivian Singer, 47, of Kerwood, has been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with 12 counts of cruelty to animals. Charges include nine counts of failing to provide suitable and adequate care to 12 wolves, four coyotes, two wolf-dog hybrids, two ponies, two goats, two foxes, two raccoons, one deer and one donkey; one count of failing to provide suitable and adequate food to 12 wolves; and one count each of causing unnecessary pain and suffering to a pony by failing to supply veterinary care.An assessment of the animals on the property (located west of London) began March 15, 2007 following information provided to the Ontario SPCA regarding animals in distress. Three dogs were found inside the house in filthy pens and without food or water. Ontario SPCA investigators issued Orders for improved living conditions and food and water, which were complied with. Investigators then found a black stallion pony in the barn with severe hoof ailments that lead to the veterinarian on scene recommending that the animal be humanely euthanized. As well, a brown mare pony was removed due to poor living conditions and poor body condition. The Ontario SPCA relocated the pony to a boarding facility to receive proper care.
Investigators also requested a veterinarian with expertise in wildlife to help assess the condition of the other animals on the property. The veterinarian ordered the removal of all of the animals due to filthy living conditions and the thin body condition of the animals – there was inadequate food and no fresh water available to the animals. Due to the lateness in the day which would impede the safety of the investigators handling the wolves at dark, and the logistics of finding facilities to relocate all of these animals to, Ontario SPCA investigators followed the veterinarian’s recommendations for how to keep the animals as comfortable as possible through the night until the removal could be carried out the following day. The owner surrendered all of the animals to the Ontario SPCA, which worked diligently to find facilities to care for the different species involved.
Vivian Singer currently faces an additional 11 counts of animal cruelty under the Criminal Code of Canada following the removal of 18 animals, including one lion, eight dogs, six cats, two cockatoos and one turtle, from the same property in November 2006. Charges include eight counts for failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water, care and medical attention to eight dogs and one lion; two counts for failing to provide suitable and adequate care to six cats and two cockatoos; and one count for failing to provide medical attention to three cats.
“This case is one example of why the McGuinty government announced last month that it is moving to better protect animals, including a commitment to provide $100,000 in funding for the Ontario SPCA to implement a zoo protection plan,” says Rebecca Tanti, Ontario SPCA Regional Inspector. “Without regulations for the standard of care for the animals in these types of facilities, our hands are tied until the situation deteriorates to the point that the animals’ lives are in jeopardy.”
Vivian Singer is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, London on December 13, 2007.
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:
Rebecca Tanti
Ontario SPCA Regional Inspector
1-519-282-9018 or 1-519-456-5988
————————————————————————————————————————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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