Ontario SPCA

May 28, 2013 11:00 ET

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – May 28, 2013) – On May 24, 2013, Robert Smith and Nancy Deveau of North Bay were convicted of three counts under the Ontario SPCA Act after permitting distress to multiple cats and kittens in their care.

The charges included:

On September 11, 2012, the North Bay and District Humane Society received a report regarding concerns for a number of cats, alleging the cats were infested with fleas and that two very young kittens were dying. Upon arriving at the residence and meeting with the owners, the reported concerns were substantiated.

Ms. Deveau and Mr. Smith voluntarily surrendered the two ailing kittens into the care of the North Bay and District Humane Society. Ms. Deveau and Mr. Smith were then ordered to have the remaining eight cats and kittens examined by a veterinarian and to follow the recommendations of the veterinarian.

Sadly, the two kittens were so compromised by their heavy flea infestation and lack of medical care that the attending veterinarian recommended humane euthanasia in order to end their suffering.

Ms. Deveau and Mr. Smith voluntarily surrendered the remainder of their cats and kittens a short time later to the North Bay and District Humane Society after failing to comply with Ontario SPCA Orders.

Ms. Deveau and Mr. Smith’s sentence conditions include, but are not limited to:

“The animals in our care rely on us to provide them with necessary and appropriate medical attention when needed. If providing basic care 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 Daryl Vaillancourt, General Manager. “Contact the North Bay and District Humane Society or a veterinarian to see what options are available.”

The North Bay and District Humane Society reminds pet owners that if you have concerns for the welfare of your animal there are other alternatives than allowing an animal to go without adequate care. Contact the Society to discuss what services are available. To report cruelty, please call (your local SPCA or Humane Society or the local police.

The North Bay and District Humane Society:

Since 1954, the North Bay and District Humane Society has been a key service provider within the North Bay community. The North Bay and District Humane Society is an affiliate of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Society has Ontario SPCA Officers that enforce Provincial and Federal Animal Welfare legislation.

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