Cobalt Man Found Guilty to Three Charges of Animal Cruelty

CANADA -- On October 11, 2012, Daniel Lyle of Cobalt, Ontario was found guilty of three charges under the Ontario SPCA Act.

The charges included:

• One count of permitting distress
• One count of failing to meet the standards of care in failing to provide adequate and appropriate food and water
• One count of failing to meet the standards of care in failing to provide care necessary for their general welfare

The Ontario SPCA responded to a complaint regarding Mr. Lyle's three dogs. A Rottweiler type dog, Greyhound-cross type dog and Shepherd/Husky-mix type dog; there were concerns that the animals were lacking food, appropriate housing and adequate care. During the investigation, an Ontario
SPCA Inspector found the dogs to be extremely underweight and living in unsanitary and inappropriate conditions.

On June 3, 2011, an Ontario SPCA warrant was executed and the dogs were removed from Mr. Lyle's care after the owner failed to respond to the Ontario SPCA's inquiries. The dogs were both immediately examined by a veterinarian and diagnosed as being emaciated and suffering from chronic malnutrition. Notably, the Rottweiler type dog was almost 25 kg underweight for a dog of his age and breed.

Daniel Lyle was sentenced to:

• A five year ban on owning, caring for or possessing any animals
• He may not live on/in any premises where animals are kept or cared for
• He must allow Inspectors and Agents, as defined in the Ontario SPCA Act, to enter and inspect his dwelling and any other building, including those that may be located at alternate properties owned, rented or used by him, during daylight hours, to ensure compliance with the court order
• Mr. Lyle was also ordered to pay restitution of expenses, to the Ontario SPCA, in the amount of $2,078.27.

"If providing for an animal in your care becomes difficult, it's important to take the appropriate steps to ensure that the animal's health isn't compromised," said Senior Inspector Lynn Michaud. "Contact your local Ontario SPCA or a veterinarian to see what options are available."

All three dogs were treated with a specialized feeding program, and all made full recoveries. The dogs were adopted out to new loving homes.

(Marketwire - Oct. 26, 2012)