Marilyn Belanger of Thornloe, Ontario pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice, Haileybury to one count of failing to provide suitable and adequate care to a dog under the Criminal Code of Canada.

In January of 2005 the Ontario SPCA Temiskaming Branch received a call of concern regarding a dog belonging to a man in Thornloe, Ontario. The report indicated that the man's partner, Marilyn Belanger, had castrated the dog on her own initiative, and it had died as a result. A Criminal Code of Canada search warrant was executed by Ontario SPCA investigators and the body of the dog was removed from the owner's property. A necropsy confirmed that the dog had bled to death due to the procedure.

Marilyn Belanger received a sentence of 15 months probation, during which time she can not acquire new domestic animals and the Ontario SPCA is to conduct random visits to monitor compliance. Belanger is to pay restitution to the Society in the amount of $327.42.

"Improper neutering procedures are dangerous to pets as they can cause severe pain, suffering, injury and death," says Ontario SPCA Senior Inspector, Alison McAllister. "The most effective way to decrease the number of unwanted puppies and kittens is by spaying and neutering, but it must be performed properly and by a qualified veterinarian. Failing to provide suitable and adequate care to an animal is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada and perpetrators will be prosecuted by the Ontario SPCA."

Reference:

Ontario SPCA