Ontario Animal Care Review Board Confirms Removal of Emaciated Horses

Neebing man loses appeal to regain custody of emaciated horses after Ontario Animal Welfare ruling

NEEBING, ON – A Neebing man has lost his appeal to regain custody of two horses after the Ontario Animal Care Review Board (ACRB) upheld a decision to remove them due to distress and poor living conditions. The ruling, released on February 5, 2025, also confirmed that Rudolf Steinberg must pay $1,579.72 for the cost of caring for the horses since their removal.

Investigation and Removal of the Horses

The case began in August 2024, when Animal Welfare Services (AWS) received a complaint about the condition of Steinberg’s two horses—a mare and a stallion—at his Neebing property. Following failed attempts to inspect the property, AWS obtained a warrant and conducted an inspection on September 25, 2024.

Inspector Rebecca Merritt found the horses to be emaciated, with visible spines, ribs, and hip bones. A veterinarian, Dr. Kyle Goldie, assessed them via a video call and recommended a full examination. AWS issued two Orders under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act), requiring Steinberg to:

• Have the horses examined by a veterinarian
• Provide adequate food, water, and shelter
• Improve the horses’ living environment

Upon a follow-up inspection on October 3, 2024, AWS, accompanied by veterinarian Dr. Matt Matyazovsky, found that the horses’ condition had not improved. The animals still had no access to food or clean water, and hazardous materials—including barbed wire, scrap metal, and broken-down vehicles—were scattered around the property. Dr. Matyazovsky determined that the horses would not survive the winter in their condition. AWS removed the animals under Section 31 of the PAWS Act.

Legal Battle and Ruling

Steinberg appealed the Orders, arguing that:

• The horses were not in distress
• The property was not hazardous
• AWS had not properly assessed the availability of food and water

However, the ACRB rejected his appeal, finding that the horses were in distress due to malnutrition, lack of veterinary care, and unsafe living conditions. The board also ruled that the horses should not be returned because Steinberg failed to comply with the orders and showed no willingness to provide proper veterinary care.

The $1,579.72 bill covered costs related to the horses’ transportation, boarding, and veterinary care. The ACRB dismissed Steinberg’s request for $10,000 in costs, ruling that he had not complied with the Orders.

Key Findings of the Decision

✅ Horses were in distress on September 25, 2024, due to malnutrition and inadequate care
✅ Removal was necessary on October 3, 2024, to prevent further suffering
✅ Conditions at the property had not improved, so the horses will not be returned
✅ $1,579.72 in care costs must be paid by Steinberg
✅ No reimbursement for compliance costs

Animal Welfare Reminder

The Ontario PAWS Act sets strict standards for the care of animals, including proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary attention. Failure to meet these standards can lead to seizure, fines, and criminal charges.

To report suspected animal neglect or abuse, contact:
📞 Ontario Animal Welfare Services: 1-833-926-4625
📧 Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.p3tips.com