CORNWALL, Ontario – Two Cornwall residents have been charged with animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act as a result of an investigation into the care of their dog, which was so severely matted that her leg needed to be amputated.
A veterinary examination revealed a mat so severe and so tight that the dog’s leg had become infected and was gangrenous. As a result, the leg was surgically amputated at the recommendation of the veterinarian.
The seven-year-old dog was surrendered to the Ontario SPCA and is currently recovering.
A 57-year-old man and 49-year-old woman, both from Cornwall, have each been charged with two counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act:
- Permitting distress to an animal
- Failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention
Their first appearance is set for May 23, 2017 at the Provincial Offences Court in Cornwall.
“There is no excuse for failing to care for your animals,” says Bonnie Bishop, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you fail to provide for them, there will be consequences under the law.”
If you see an animal in distress, or suspect animal cruelty, call 310-SPCA (7722) to report it to the Ontario SPCA’s 24-hour, province-wide animal cruelty reporting centre.
