CORNWALL – Two people from St. Andrews West won’t be able to own or care for pets for the rest of their lives, with one exception, after pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges.
Raymond Levac, 62, and Juliette Fortin, 47, pleaded guilty on May 23 to charges of permitting an animal to be in distress and failing to comply with standards of care.
Humane society officers had went to a home in St. Andrews West on March 1 for an animal welfare check.
They found a half dozen flea-infested terrier-type dogs with badly matted coats, infected ears and a yellow discharge coming from some of the dog’s mouths.
Four of the dogs had to be put down.
The Provincial Offences Act court ruled the pair are forbidden from owned or caring for animals except for the two dogs and one cat currently in their care.
But they have to be checked every six months by a vet. The couple are also subject to a door knock check by the humane society.
“There is no excuse when it comes to failing to care for your animals,” said Bonnie Bishop, senior inspector with the SD&G SPCA. “If you are having difficulty providing care for your animals, contact the Ontario SPCA to discuss your options.”