The Ontario Court of Justice, on King Street in Picton. (Photo: Quinte News)
A 27-year-old Picton man has been sentenced to a 10-year ban on owning animals after being convicted of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act as a result of an investigation into the treatment of a dog in his care.
The Ontario SPCA received a report on January 4, 2017 about an animal in distress at a residence in Picton. An officer attended the property and discovered an emaciated Rottweiler-type dog in need of immediate veterinary attention. The dog’s ribs were clearly visible, its hip bones protruded and it was vomiting constantly. A veterinary examination revealed the dog, which was approximately five years old, was suffering from kidney disease, chronic ear infections and was infested with worms.
Due to the severity of the dog’s condition, it was humanely euthanized at the recommendation of a veterinarian.
On May 5, 2017, Wesley Adam McGrayne, 27, pleaded guilty in a Picton Provincial Offences Court to permitting distress to an animal. Justice of the Peace Ernest Parsons sentenced McGrayne to a 10-year prohibition on owning animals, with the exception of two cats in his care that he is permitted to keep. He also received two years probation. During that time he is subject to inspections twice per year by an Ontario SPCA officer and must produce veterinary records to demonstrate that the cats are receiving annual veterinary examinations.
“There is no excuse when it comes to failing to care for your animals,” says Bonnie Bishop, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you find yourself in a position where you are unable to care for your animals, contact your local animal centre or humane society to discuss your options.”
To report animal cruelty or neglect, call the Ontario SPCA’s province-wide dispatch centre at 310-SPCA.
