A Sudbury woman has been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with failing to provide adequate care, causing unnecessary pain and suffering and abandoning animals in distress.
On March 29, 2006 a landlord contacted the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Branch to report a large number of animals abandoned at the apartment rented to the woman.
They found 62 cats with no food or water and living in unsanitary conditions. Over a two-day period Ontario SPCA investigators removed all cats from the small apartment.
An additional 20 cats and one dog were removed from custody when the woman was later located.
Some of the cats suffered various ailments including severe upper respiratory distress, ear mite infestation, and eye deformities. Many were found to be feral (unsocialized) in behaviour.
The Ontario SPCA is providing rehabilitation and care to the animals and many are currently available for adoption at the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Branch. Due to the large number of cats removed, several cats have been relocated to our provincial office in Newmarket to be adopted out.
Sharon Chaput will appear Sept. 20 at the Ontario Court of Justice, Sudbury to answer charges.
