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CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #17396 Rating: 1.9 out of 5
Monday, Jan 31, 2011
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available
Defendants/Suspects:
» Natasha Janjevic
» Steven Lopez
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Two Halton residents have been charged with several counts of animal cruelty, the Oakville and Milton Humane Society has announced.
The charges stem from a call received by the OMHS regarding a dog being kept in a garage.
The Humane Society alleges that upon their investigation, a dog was found severely emaciated and tied to a string in the Milton garage.
The mix-breed dog, called Mea, was cold and lethargic with what appeared to be a damaged eye, according to investigators. There was no food or water present in the unheated garage.
Mea was removed from the owners after the officers attempted to receive compliance, and immediate veterinary care was sought. The dog is now under veterinary care and is expected to fully recovery.
"It is a testament to the heart and resilience of dogs," said Johanne Golder, Executive Director for the OMHS. "Although Mea was in terrible condition, she has shown nothing but affection for those caring for her."
Charged with seven counts of Cruelty under the Provincial Legislation of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are Natasha Janjevic and Steven Lopez of the Town of Milton.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Oakville and Milton Humane Society at 905-845-1551.
Case Updates
A Milton couple is going to jail in what animal care workers are calling a "very shocking" animal cruelty case.
The Oakville and Milton Humane Society said incarceration is very, very rare in animal law.
"The sentencing is one of the most severe in our history," said media relations officer Brenda Dushko. "It really gives us hope about the future of animal welfare."
Laura Mackasey of OMHS found Mea, a 5-year-old Victorian bulldog/ Sharpei cross, emaciated and tied to a string in an unheated garage in January.
The dog was without food or water, and had severe glaucoma in her eye, which later had to be removed.
"(Mackasey) sees these things all the time, but she was quite shocked when she opened the garage door and saw the shape of the dog," Dushko said.
Charges were laid in January, but because of the "legal process," Mea was placed back in her owner's care for a time while the case was ongoing.
In addition to a fine of $5,000 and probation, owner Natasha Janajevic will spend 45 days in jail on weekends after she was found guilty of one count of causing distress to an animal, and one count of permitting distress to an animal.
Her partner, Steven Lopez, will spend 30 days in jail for the same charges. He was also fined $5,000.
The couple is also banned from owning, caring for or residing with an animal for 10 years.
After today's sentencing, Mea was placed back in the care of the Humane Society and was taken to a local veterinary clinic for assessment.
"She's the sweetest dog. Considering the kind of life she's led, she is such a resilient dog," Dushko said. "While Mea may have had a dark past, she has a bright future." |
Source: thestar.com - Nov 16, 2011
Update posted on Nov 16, 2011 - 10:22PM |
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