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Case #16879 Rating: 2.0 out of 5
Two cats starved to death
Clarence Creek, ON (CA)Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 29, 2010
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Charles Hogg
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) has charged a Clarence Creek man with cruelty after the emaciated corpses of two cats were found in an unoccupied residence in east end Ottawa.
Charles Hogg, 67, was charged on July 29 with four counts of animal cruelty for failing to provide adequate food and water to two cats in his care, and for permitting distress to the animals.
An OHS emergency agent was called by the Ottawa Police Service to a residence belonging to Mr. Hogg on the evening of July 29. Upon entering the unit, the agent discovered the bodies of the two cats inside. The stench of urine, feces and decomposing flesh was pervasive throughout the unit, stemming from overflowing litter boxes inside. There were unopened cans of cat food found on the counter, and the only water source was a dirty and stagnant toilet.
Mr. Hogg had allegedly not been living at the residence for over a month, and claimed to have left what he thought was appropriate food and water for the animals during that time. The residence did not have electricity, meaning appropriate cooling wasn't available for the animals over the past several weeks.
"It's shocking to think that these animals died starving and suffering from severe heat," said OHS inspector, Miriam Smith. "These cats should have been checked on regularly. They shouldn't have been left to suffer and die alone."
It is a pet owner's responsibility to care for animals and ensure their welfare, even when the owner is not present. If pets can't accompany an owner, arrangements must be made for someone to check on the animals at least every 24 hours. Failure to provide appropriate pet care can result in charges.
Mr. Hogg is expected to appear in court on Sept. 16.
Although legally mandated to enforce the animal cruelty provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario SPCA Act, the OHS does not receive any government funding or funding from any animal welfare group to perform this essential work.
Case UpdatesCharles Hogg, 67, pled guilty to one charge of cruelty after OHS inspectors charged him in July with failing to provide adequate food and water to two cats in his care, and for permitting distress to animals. Mr. Hogg was fined $750, received two years probation, was ordered to pay $50.00 restitution to the Ottawa Humane Society, and may only keep three remaining cats on the conditions that they are health checked by a veterinarian and that the OHS be allowed to randomly check on the cats and their living conditions.
An OHS emergency agent was called in July to a residence belonging to Mr. Hogg and discovered the bodies of the two cats. The stench of urine, feces and decomposing flesh was pervasive. Unopened cans of cat food were found in the residence, which did not have electricity. The only water source was a stagnant toilet. Mr. Hogg had allegedly not been living at the residence for more than a month.
"It's gratifying to see the court issue a fair sentence. It sends a clear message that pet owners are responsible for their animal's welfare at all times, including when they're away for any length of time," said OHS Inspector, Miriam Smith.
Although legally mandated to enforce the animal cruelty provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario SPCA Act, the OHS does not receive any government funding or funding from any animal welfare group to perform this essential work. | Source: blog.ottawahumane.ca - Nov 16, 2010
Update posted on Nov 18, 2010 - 9:52AM |
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