Kincardine couple charged with five counts of animal cruelty
Ontario SPCA
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
NEWMARKET, ON, (January 16, 2007) – Tom Watson, 36, and his wife Penny Watson, 42, both of Kincardine, have been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with one count of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate medical attention to a female shih tzu type-dog named Squad Car, and four counts of wilfully neglecting to provide suitable and adequate care to a male golden retriever named Chevy, a female cat and her two kittens, and a male shih tzu type-dog.Ontario SPCA investigators first attended the Watson’s property on July 28, 2006 following a complaint regarding the condition of the animals. Investigators found the dog, Squad Car, lying lethargic and emaciated in a pen. The dog was unable to bear weight on her hind legs and lifted them off the ground in an attempt to walk on her front legs. Also found were a mother cat and two kittens in a soiled rabbit cage in a room smelling strongly of ammonia; a dog, Chevy, chained in a pen in direct sun without water; and a male shih tzu type-dog locked in a bathroom smelling strongly of ammonia, with feces and urine on the floor and no food and water. Numerous Ontario SPCA Orders were issued to improve the living conditions of the animals including providing food and water, adequate living space, ventilation, clean and dry bedding, and veterinary attention for Squad Car.
On August 19, 2006 the Watson’s had Squad Car euthanized on their veterinarian’s recommendation to prevent further suffering. Post mortem examination revealed that the dog suffered from untreated chronic arthritis
Tom Watson and Penny Watson will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Walkerton on February 27, 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:
Jennifer Bluhm
Ontario SPCA Inspector
519-364-0400
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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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