Luminita Paunescu v. Chief Animal Welfare Inspector, 2026 ONACRB 219

Date: 11/03/2026

Appeals and Application under s. 38 of Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, S.O. 2019, c. 13.

Between

Luminita Paunescu

Appellant/Applicant

and

Chief Animal Welfare Inspector

Respondent

DECISION AND ORDER

Adjudicator: Alisa Chaplick, Vice-Chair

Appearances:

For the Appellant: Luminita Paunescu, Self-represented

For the Respondent: Jessica Holroyd, Counsel Scott Brown, Regional Supervisor, Animal Welfare Services (AWS)

Heard by Videoconference: February 10, 2026

BACKGROUND

1Luminita Paunescu (the “Appellant”) was the owner of a male, approximately four-year-old Cocker Spaniel-type breed dog named Toto.

2On October 9, 2025, Animal Welfare Services (“AWS”) issued the Appellant an order under s. 30 of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, S.O. 2019, c. 13 (PAWS Act) to have Toto seen by a veterinarian for a general examination, with attention to grooming and nails (the “Order”). The Order had a compliance date of October 16, 2025.

3On October 16, 2025, AWS removed Toto from the Appellant’s care pursuant to s. 31(1)(c) of the PAWS Act, citing non-compliance with the Order.

4Following removal, AWS took Toto to a veterinarian for assessment and identified numerous medical issues affecting him.

5On October 28, 2025, AWS served the Appellant in person with a Notice of Decision to Keep in Care (“DTK”) regarding Toto pursuant to s. 31(6) of the PAWS Act and a Statement of Account (“SOA #1”) for costs