THUNDER BAY – A 42-year-old Thunder Bay woman has been convicted under provincial animal welfare legislation following an investigation relating to a dog in her care.
Christina Pereira pled guilty in a Thunder Bay Provincial Offences Court on September 17, 2018, to failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention for the dog. The Justice of the Peace fined Pereira $200 and sentenced her to two years probation. She is also prohibited from owning, caring for or living with any animals for a period of five years.
On December 19, 2017, the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society initiated an investigation following a concern regarding a dog that was reported to be suffering from red, raw skin all over its body. The dog had been found running at large and was impounded by Thunder Bay Animal Services.
The owner failed to claim the dog, which required treatment for a chronic infection of his ears and skin. He was treated for his ailments and was rehomed by Thunder Bay Animal Services. Pereira was subsequently charged by the Ontario SPCA.
“Pet owners are obligated to provide their animals with the medical attention they require. Abandoning an animal in distress should never be an option,” says Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you have animals in your care, you have an ethical and legal obligation to provide the necessary requirements for those animals.”
To report suspected animal cruelty, call the Ontario SPCA’s province-wide animal cruelty hotline at 310-SPCA (7722), or your local police.
