ALEXANDRIA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 19, 2013) - On February 21, 2013, Clifford Bien-Aime was found guilty of six charges of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.
In December 2009, the Ontario SPCA received a complaint concerning animals abandoned at a property in South Stormont. The concerned citizen stated that Mr. Bien-Aime had moved to Ottawa and only returned periodically to care for the animals.
An Ontario SPCA Officer attended the residence and found two horses wearing blankets and several thin sheep. There was no available food, trees were severely chewed and the animals were vocalizing in distress. One small sheep had an ear that was torn half off and bleeding.
On December 23, 2009, a compliance order was issued to provide hay and access to clean, portable water at all times, as well as straw bedding for the enclosure. Upon a follow-up visitation, the Officer found non-compliance of the orders and the animals were removed under an Ontario SPCA warrant.
The animals were examined by a veterinarian and found to be in very poor body condition which was related to a lack of adequate nutrition.
Mr. Bien-Aime was found guilty on all six counts and was fined $6,000. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,240.63, and given a five-year prohibition to living with, caring for, or owning an animal in addition to 18-months probation.
"If providing 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," says Larry Wilkinson, Senior Inspector. "Contact your local Ontario SPCA or Veterinarian to see what options are available."
The Ontario SPCA 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 your local Ontario SPCA and we can discuss what services are available. To report cruelty please call 1-888-668-7722 or email your concern to cruelty@ospca.on.ca.
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.
Ontario SPCA is mandated under the Ontario SPCA Act to enforce animal welfare legislation and 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.
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Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
Contact Information:
Ontario SPCA, Provincial Office
Brad Dewar
Investigation & Communications Officer
289-383-3503
www.OntarioSPCA.ca