SIMCOE COUNTY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 27, 2014) - On August 21, 2014, Robert Pakulski, 56, of Toronto, Ontario, pleaded guilty to one count of disobeying an Ontario SPCA Order and one count of obstructing or misleading an Ontario SPCA Officer, contrary to the provisions of the Ontario SPCA Act.

In January 2014, after receiving a complaint regarding two young thoroughbred horses, an Ontario SPCA officer attended the Tiny Township farm property in Simcoe County. The officer found the horses lacking water and adequate shelter, and their body condition appeared to be very thin. Ontario SPCA Orders were written to Mr. Pakulski to provide the necessary food, shelter, water source, and for a farrier to attend to the horses.

Prior to the scheduled inspection of February 2014 to check on the compliance of the orders, the Society was informed that the horses had been removed from the property. The Ontario SPCA officer was told that a local livestock transport had taken the horses. The livestock transport was interviewed and reported being contacted to have the two horses removed. The two young horses were shipped out of province and slaughtered. It is an offence to move or relocate an animal that is the subject of an Ontario SPCA order, without the knowledge and consent of the investigator.

Mr. Pakulski was sentenced and received a ten-year prohibition from possessing or having control of any horse as well as a $250 fine.

"It is an offense to obstruct an Ontario SPCA officer in the performance of their duties," says Alison Green, Regional Inspector.

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 to discuss our available services. To report cruelty, please call 310-SPCA 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.

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.

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