Cornwall pair convicted of animal cruelty after dog's leg amputated
Two people from Cornwall, Ont., were sentenced to two years of probation after their dog's leg needed to be amputated to save its life.
The 57-year-old man and 49-year-old woman were found guilty on May 23 of two counts each animal cruelty. They were convicted of failing to provide adequate medical attention and permitting distress to an animal.
On April 10 the SPCA received reports of a Shih Tzu in severe pain from a wet mass of hair on her left hind leg. The investigating officer noticed a foul smell coming from the dog and a vet examination revealed the injury was so serious that the seven-year-old dog had developed gangrene.
The vet determined amputation was necessary.
"With resources available to help people who are unable to care for their pets, there really is no excuse when it comes to neglecting to care for your animals," said Bonnie Bishop, a senior inspector with the Ontario SPCA.
"If you fail to provide for them, there will be consequences under the law."
The dog has since been adopted into a new home.
In addition to probation, the animal's former owners were each handed a 10-year prohibition from owning or caring for any more animals. The couple currently owns a dog and a cat, which are now subject to random inspection by the SPCA for the next decade.
