THUNDER BAY – A 56-year-old Thunder Bay man has been convicted of neglect under provincial animal welfare legislation following an investigation relating to the treatment of dogs in his care. Brent Myslicki pled guilty on Friday, Sept. 14 in a Thunder Bay Provincial Offences Court of permitting an animal to be in distress and failing to comply with orders served. The Justice of the Peace fined Myslicki $200 and sentenced him to two years probation. He is also prohibited from owning, caring for or living with any animals for a period of five years.
On July 17, 2017, an Ontario SPCA officer with the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society attended a residence in Thunder Bay after a concern was reported about the welfare of dogs on the property. The officer observed a Shih Tzu-type dog with overgrown nails and long, matted fur over the dog’s entire body, including its face, which was not visible.
Orders were issued under provincial animal welfare legislation for Myslicki to have all dogs in his care groomed by a professional groomer. He was also required to have the dogs examined by a veterinarian and to follow treatment recommendations.
Myslicki failed to comply with those orders and was subsequently charged. He voluntarily surrendered the four dogs in his care, which were assessed by a veterinarian and found to be underweight and suffering from severe neglect. The dogs were rehabilitated and adopted into new homes through the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society.
“There is no excuse for failing to care for your animals,” says Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “We want to encourage pet owners to reach out to the Ontario SPCA or their local Humane Society if they are unable to provide the necessary care for their animals.”
To report suspected animal cruelty, call the Ontario SPCA’s province-wide animal cruelty hotline at 310-SPCA (7722), or your local police.
