Cornwall Couple Charged After Dog Needed Amputation APRIL 25, 2017

Cornwall residents charged with animal cruelty after severely matted dog needs leg amputated

Cornwall, ON (April 25, 2017) – 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.

On April 10, 2017, the Ontario SPCA received a report about a badly matted Shih Tzu in severe pain. The officer noted a foul smell coming from the dog, which had a wet, dirty mass of hair covering her left hind leg.

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.

10 Comments

  1. Well I am just going to say it….I know innocent until proven guilty….But should be Lifetime ban from owning ANY pets if found guilty..minimum …….Poor Animal!! Plain an Simple…Cruel….nuff said

  2. Not Nice…..

  3. I have said it so many times before that very few people are capable both financially as well as emotionally, etc. to care for a dog, cat, bird or whatever. The care of an animal is a huge responsibility and it takes very responsible people and loving ones as well.

  4. that just breaks your heart . people please be kind and gentle. SPCA you are both kind and gently always helping others.

  5. That’s just so disturbing I can’t imagine what that poor little dog endured in the seven years, you don’t deserve ever to own or even go near another animal I’m just so discussed by this it breaks my heart. You both should hang your heads in shame!!!!!!

  6. There names should be known to the public.

  7. Yes indeed a lifetime ban from owning animals. A leopard does not change its spots.

  8. It looks like the OSPCA doesn’t release names of people charged until they are convicted. Different enforcement agencies have different policies it seems.

  9. Good morning everyone,

    I just wanted to add a happy twist onto this sad story.

    My wife are currently in the process of adopting Sophie. She spent her first night with us last night and she is great, happy and seems to be adjusting to her new home. She’s a little angel.

  10. Author

    Awesome on you Steve and so happy that Sophie has a new forever home!

Leave a Reply