Animal cruelty conviction after emaciated yellow Lab rescued from basement

CANADA -- A Hamilton woman has pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty after authorities found an emaciated yellow Lab in her basement.

Two years ago, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA and Hamilton police found a Labrador dog locked in a basement room and a dead cat on the premises.

The dog was living in deplorable conditions, the SPCA says, with no food or water. He also had open neck wounds from filthy collars.

 

Authorities removed the dog, named Dude, and took it to a vet.

The woman can keep her existing pet cat, but a veterinarian must examine the cat every six months. The SPCA must see the examination reports, and the cat must be microchipped for identification purposes. The woman is not permitted to own, care for, or live with any new animals in her lifetime.

She is also required to undergo counseling and pay $1,266.95 in restitution for medical costs for the dog’s care. Failure to comply with the conditions will result in the immediate removal of the cat.

“These animals suffered needlessly,” said Sarah Momborquette, animal protection officer with the SPCA.

Authorities alerted the office to suspected cruelty, she said. “You can help animals by being aware of at-risk animals in your community and by reporting cases of suspected animal cruelty.”
Stacey Brooks pleaded guilty to the charges.

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA laid 18 Provincial Offenses Act charges and 17 criminal code charges in 2012. There are three cases still before the courts.

(CBC - Oct 3, 2014)