The defendant, a horse farm operator, was charged with four counts under the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act: causing animals to be in distress, failing to comply with prescribed standards of care, failing to comply with an OSPCA order, and failing to provide care necessary for the general welfare of horses.
The defendant operated a facility with approximately 43 horses, many of which were rescue animals over 20 years old.
Following a loss of volunteer assistance and poor hay quality in 2012, conditions deteriorated significantly.
OSPCA inspections in February and March 2013 revealed inadequate feed, water, bedding, and grooming.
The court found the defendant guilty on all four counts, determining that while she possessed knowledge of proper horse care, she lacked sufficient financial resources and assistance to maintain adequate care for the large herd and failed to reduce the herd size when circumstances changed.