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Killarney man found guilty of causing stress to an animal

A 65-year-old Killarney man has been limited to owning only one dog at a time after the Ontario SPCA removed 65 Weimaranar-type dogs from his property in December 2013.
A 65-year-old Killarney man has been limited to owning only one dog at a time after the Ontario SPCA removed 65 Weimaranar-type dogs from his property in December 2013.

Brian East was sentenced on April 17 after being charged with causing distress to an animal, as well as failing to provide for the general welfare of an animal after an animal control employee reported the man had multiple dogs in kennels living in unsanitary conditions. He was also ordered to pay $6,248 in restitution to the OSPCA.

Last year, an animal control officer reported the situation to the OSPCA. OSPCA officers visited the property and issued a number of orders.

On Dec. 7, 2013, OSPCA officers returned to the property with a veterinarian, who noted serious medical concerns for the dog’s overall health.

On Dec. 17, 2013, officers again attended the property with a search warrant. The veterinarian that accompanied the officers recommended the immediate removal of all dogs. Under the Ontario SPCA Act, the dogs were removed due to their ongoing distress, except for one dog in East’s care.

East subsequently surrendered all of the dogs and puppies to the Ontario SPCA, a short time after the removal of the dogs from his care, said the OSPCA in a news release.

After receiving necessary medical attention and care from various Ontario SPCA shelters and a few select rescue groups across the province, all the dogs were adopted into new loving families.

In addition to the ban on owning animals and the fine, the Ontario SPCA was granted inspection rights of East’s property and dwelling. He is also required to bring his dog to a veterinarian for yearly checkups and related veterinary reports must be provided to the Ontario SPCA to ensure compliance.

“When choosing to take on the care of an animal, one must understand all of the responsibilities associated with an animal’s overall needs,” said Lynn Michaud, senior inspector.

“If such care becomes challenging, please contact your local Ontario SPCA, humane society or veterinarian to see what options are available to ensure the animal’s welfare.”

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