Toronto man convicted
Ontario SPCA
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Newmarket, ON – Lloyd Cole, 64, of Toronto, was convicted and sentenced June 20, 2005 in the Ontario Court of Justice, Toronto of one animal cruelty charge under the Criminal Code of Canada. Cole was charged with wilfully permitting unnecessary suffering by failing to seek adequate veterinary medical attention for his 15-year-old dog, Charlie.On February 19, 2004, two Ontario SPCA investigators executed a search warrant at the Cole residence after investigating a public complaint. The investigators observed a cocker spaniel-type dog inside the residence in extremely unsanitary conditions, which included urine, feces, cockroaches and garbage littered throughout. The dog was suffering from severe and obvious medical problems, including eye and ear infections. Due to the dog’s extremely poor condition, and Cole’s refusal to comply with an Ontario SPCA Order to provide veterinary care for his dog and three cats, all four animals were removed.
A veterinary examination found that the dog – in addition to being underweight with ear infections and overgrown matted hair – suffered from painful untreated eye conditions. Glaucoma had enlarged the right eye to twice its normal size – and had likely developed over four to eight weeks. The left eye may have initially had glaucoma, then become shrunken either as a result of trauma or inflammation – a condition that likely developed over six to 12 months. For humane reasons the dog was euthanized, on the instruction of a veterinarian, the same day. The cats were treated for several conditions including chronic ear mite infestations, and were later made available for adoption.
For the Criminal Code charges Cole was sentenced to serve 25 hours of community service and two years probation, during which time he is not permitted to own, care for or possess animals, nor can he live where animals are kept. As well, during the probationary period Ontario SPCA investigators have the right to inspect Cole’s property to ensure compliance with the sentencing.
“This was a case of terrible cruelty and neglect,” says Mike Draper, Ontario SPCA Chief Inspector. “The owner’s complete lack of care and empathy for the dog is appalling. Sadly, we do not yet have stronger animal cruelty legislation and penalties that would allow a lifetime ban from owning animals to be imposed.”
The Ontario SPCA is urging members of the public to take action and voice their support for the quick passage of Bill C-50, which would amend and strengthen the Criminal Code animal cruelty provisions. Members of the public should write:
Their Member of Parliament: Find the contact information for your MP at http://canada.gc.ca/directories/direct_e.html or call 1-800-622-6232.
The Honourable Irwin Cotler
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H8
For media enquiries please contact: Mike Draper, Ontario SPCA Chief Inspector, at 1-888-668-7722, extension 317, email: mdraper@ospca.on.ca
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