Largest animal cruelty fine in Ontario's history for puppy mill operator

    NEWMARKET, ON, March 19 /CNW/ - The largest fine ever for an animal
cruelty offence in Ontario was imposed yesterday when Sandra Quinn, now of
Burlington, Ontario received a fine of $12,000 after pleading guilty in the
Ontario Court of Justice, Norfolk County, to a charge brought under the
Ontario SPCA Act.
    Quinn was charged in February last year by the Ontario SPCA following the
removal of 125 dogs from Cherry Valley Kennels near Waterford, Ontario. She
was the first person to be charged under the Act as amended in December 2002
to address offences by breeders of dogs and cats for sale. The amendments set
out standards of care that breeders of dogs and cats for sale must adhere to,
and enable much stiffer penalties than in the past. In addition to the fine,
Quinn also received a ten-year prohibition from breeding and selling dogs and
cats.
    William Quinn, also charged in this investigation, is scheduled to appear
in court in May.
    When the dogs were removed on Valentine's Day last year they were in
appalling condition - emaciated, dehydrated, severely matted and encrusted
with feces, and had numerous medical problems. Two of the dogs were in such
bad condition they had to be euthanized. One dog was found frozen to death and
two half-burned carcasses were found in a fire pit.
    Care was provided to the dogs - Chows, American Eskimos, Pomeranians,
Keeshonds and other small breeds, at several Ontario SPCA Branches and
affiliated humane societies, and all except the two that had to be euthanized
were adopted into loving new homes.
    "This is the first case brought under the amended Ontario SPCA Act to
reach a sentence," said Ontario SPCA Senior Inspector Darren Grandel. "The
sentence marks a significant shift in the seriousness with which crimes
against animals are viewed in the province, although it is well short of what
is allowed in the Act."
    The Ontario SPCA would particularly like to have seen the sentence
include a period of probation which would have prohibited owning of pets in
addition to breeding and selling, and also given the Society inspection rights
to monitor compliance with the ban.
    "It is certainly a welcome move in the right direction however,"
commented Society Chief Executive Officer, Judy Marshall. "I would like to
congratulate everyone who supported our campaign to secure amendments to the
Act which better enable us to stamp out puppy mills - especially the nearly
quarter of a million people who signed the 'Honey Needs You' campaign
petition."
    "I also congratulate our provincial politicians, including Julia Munro
who introduced the Bill containing the amendments to the provincial
parliament. I would strongly urge their federal counterparts to follow suit
and pass the animal cruelty amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada that
have been stalled in Ottawa for over four years and are now before Parliament
again as Bill C-22."
    The Ontario SPCA does not receive any part of the $12,000 fine. The cost
of the investigation, removal, treatment, care and rehabilitation of the dogs -
in excess of $100,000, has put a great strain on the resources of the Ontario
SPCA which is a registered charity relying on donations. Funds are urgently
needed to help stamp out puppy mills. Call 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension
322. Your support with a donation is greatly appreciated.

    Photo of one of the rescued Chows (left) and her puppy, born while at the
Ontario SPCA, after they had both been adopted. Photo available for download
at http://www.ospca.on.ca/images/pr/2004_March19.jpg


    A word about the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
    (Ontario SPCA):
    The Ontario SPCA, with 27 Branches and 32 affiliated humane societies and
SPCA's, is unique amongst animal welfare organizations in Ontario: the Ontario
SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides
Society investigators with police powers to do so. The Society is a registered
charity, relying on donations to fund animal protection, care and
rehabilitation for all animals, government and industry advocacy and public
education. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane
Societies (CFHS) and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

For further information: For media enquiries, please call: Brian 
Pemberton, Director of Communications, 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 
308, bpemberton@ospca.on.ca