Plantagenet Man Pleads Guilty to Four Counts of Animal Cruelty Under Ontario SPCA Act

PLANTAGENET, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2014) - On November 19, 2014, Roger Beauchamp of Plantagenet, Ontario, pleaded guilty to four counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

The charges included:

• Causing distress to an animal
• Permitting distress to an animal
• Failing to transport an animal in a manner that ensures its physical safety
• Failing to provide care necessary for an animal's general welfare

On May 31, 2014, a concerned citizen recorded a video of Mr. Beauchamp driving a lawn tractor and towing a trailer which he had tethered his dog to. The engine was running and Mr. Beauchamp repeatedly attempted to park the trailer by going forwards and backwards. Several times the dog became entangled in the front wheels of the lawn tractor and Mr. Beauchamp continued driving.

The concerned citizen then contacted the Ontario SPCA who viewed the video.

It was observed that the two year old dog appeared nervous, fearful and confused. At one point the tether became lodged in the front wheel of the tractor and began shorting and pulling the dog into the moving tractor. Fortunately, the tether broke.

An Ontario SPCA Officer attended the property of Mr. Beauchamp who admitted to the incident and acknowledged he ties the dog to the tractor on a daily basis.

Mr. Beauchamp was sentenced to a life time prohibition from owning, living with or caring for any animal with the exception of the dog currently in his possession. He was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine within six months and placed on probation for three years. The Ontario SPCA was also granted inspection rights to visit Mr. Beauchamp's residence to ensure compliance.

"If you witness an act of animal cruelty, please call 310-SPCA to report your concern 24/7, or email your concern to cruelty@ospca.on.ca," says Steve Toy, Senior Inspector.

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.

OntarioSPCA.ca

Adopt • Learn • Volunteer • Donate

Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002