The young person pleaded guilty to willfully causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after stomping on a bird.
At the time of the offence, the young person was unhoused and experiencing significant hardship.
The Crown initially sought a custodial sentence under the exceptional cases provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, but proceeded summarily, precluding a custodial sentence.
The court emphasized the young person's diminished moral culpability, significant rehabilitation efforts, and lack of reoffending.
A judicial reprimand was imposed to hold the young person accountable while promoting long-term reintegration.
