CORNWALL, Ontario – A Cornwall couple has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges after neglecting their female Shepherd-Labrador mix named “Baby” to the point that it had to be euthanized, the SPCA says.
Patricia Lepine and Brian Quesnel pled guilty to three charges under the Animal Care Act in a Cornwall court March 31.
The pair were charged with failing to provide necessary care, permitting distress of an animal and failing to provide veterinary care.
According to the Ontario SPCA, the woman called the Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry (SDG) branch to inform them the dog had been sick for three months. Baby had lost 20 pounds, had blood in her urine and an unusual discharge.
An OSPCA officer arrived at the scene and noted that the animal was lethargic, emaciated and had discharge from its vulva area.
A compliance order was issued to have the family pet examined by a veterinarian. Since the couple couldn’t afford the bill, the dog was removed from Lepine’s care.
Blood results showed a serious protein deficiency, anemia, low thyroid level and serious infection.
Meanwhile, X-rays revealed a large mass in the dog’s abdomen and a bridging of the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, which would lead to a lifetime of mobility problems.
The veterinarian felt that the most humane treatment was putting her down. In a written report, she stated that Baby’s condition was a result of serious neglect.
Both the man and woman were sentenced to two years probation, 10 years prohibition from owning animals, a $50 fine each and both ordered to pay half of the $650.11 in restitution to the local SPCA.
The courts also ordered that a cat and another dog in their care be surrendered to the animal shelter.
