Vaughan woman pleads guilty in case involving over 1000 chickens, ducks and turkeys
Ontario SPCA
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
NEWMARKET, ON, (July 4, 2007) – On June 28, 2007 Thi Loan Le of Vaughan, Ontario pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bradford to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide adequate food, water and care under the Criminal Code of Canada following the surrender of more than 1000 chickens, ducks and turkeys from a property outside Bradford.
The Ontario SPCA attended the property on August 29, 2006 after receiving an anonymous caller complaint. Ontario SPCA investigators discovered two large greenhouses being used to house a large number of chickens, ducks and turkeys. Many of the birds were in poor physical condition and appeared to be suffering from heat stress. The birds had an inadequate water supply and adequate food was not available.
Following an inspection of the property, the Ontario SPCA contacted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency – the body charged with delivering all federal inspection services related to food and animal health – Turkey Growers of Ontario and Chicken Farmers of Ontario.
After consulting with poultry experts, it was decided that while the housing was inadequate, due to the risk of disease transmission, the birds should remain on the property temporarily. As a result, the Ontario SPCA seized the birds under the authority of the Ontario SPCA Act, and a team of Ontario SPCA investigators was assigned to attend the property on a daily basis to provide food, water and care to the animals. Birds badly debilitated were euthanized by a veterinarian to relieve their suffering. The owners of the birds decided to surrender them to the Ontario SPCA.
Because of the unknown history of the surrendered birds, and the inadequate food, water and care provided, the commodity groups determined that the birds could not be used for human consumption. As a result, the Ontario SPCA, under the supervision of a veterinarian, humanely euthanized all of the birds and arranged for proper disposal of the carcasses.
For the Criminal Code charges Thi Loan Le received two years probation, during which time she is not permitted to maintain or operate a premises for the purpose of raising livestock or fowl (except with the consent and in accordance with the terms as set by the Ontario SPCA and her probation officer). She may, however, maintain up to 12 fowl for personal reasons. The Ontario SPCA was granted inspection rights during the probationary period to monitor compliance with the sentencing and Le was ordered to pay restitution to the Society in the amount of $2476.45.
Also charged with four counts of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide adequate food, water and care is Van Dong Nguyen of Toronto. Nguyen is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bradford on July 12, 2007.
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 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:
Hugh Coghill
Acting Chief Inspector
1-888-668-7722, ext 342
hcoghill@ospca.on.ca
————————————————————————————————————————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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