A 26-year-old Dundalk woman, formerly of Meaford, has pleaded guilty to two counts of Animal Cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act and has been banned from owning horses, ponies and donkeys for 15 years.
Lee-Anne Varley-Hutchinson pleaded guilty on November 9, 2016 to two counts under the Ontario SPCA Act:
• One count for failing to provide three dogs and two horses with necessary care for their general welfare
• One count for failing to comply with the prescribed Standards of Care
Varley-Hutchinson was ordered to pay $500 for each charge and was given a 15-year ban from owning any horse, pony or donkey. The Ontario SPCA is also permitted to conduct inspections in order to ensure she complies.
An Ontario SPCA officer visited a property in Meaford on January 26, 2016 after receiving a report about animals subject to unacceptable living conditions. Officers found two miniature horses living in unsanitary conditions without water, two emaciated dogs tied outdoors with inadequate shelter and a third dog inside a home in unsanitary conditions.
After failing to comply with Orders issued under the Ontario SPCA Act, the animals were removed from Varley-Hutchinson’s care. The animals have since found new homes through the Ontario SPCA animal centres and adoption networks.
“We are pleased to see the judicial system take animal welfare so seriously in this sentencing,” says Carol Vanderheide, Regional Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “Failing to care for your animals is not an option. If you find yourself in a position where you are unable to care for your animals, contact the Ontario SPCA to discuss your options.”
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