Case Snapshot
Case ID: 5052
Classification: Mutilation/Torture
Animal: cat
More cases in NB
Animal was offleash or loose
Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior
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CONVICTED: Was justice served?

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Case #5052 Rating: 3.1 out of 5



Friday, Oct 31, 1997


Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Paul Edward Carmichael

Paul Edward Carmichael, 69, was charged with cruelty to animals for killing a neighbor's cat by catching it in a spring-load trap baited with sardines located in his garage.

A neighbor found the dying cat in the trap when he responded to the howls of pain from the trapped cat.

Carmichael has received a conditional discharge after the judge agreed with the defense saying the publicity was itself punishment. He received the three-month conditional discharge after being found guilty of wilfully causing suffering to the cat.

Provincial Court Judge Graydon Nicholas said "There's no doubt this publicity can form embarrassment, but it can also form a deterrent."

Carmichael was upset with the cat because it was defecating in his yard.

Part of Carmichael's conditional sentence is he must write a letter of apology to the owner of the cat. A $35 victim surcharge was also imposed.

References

  • Canadian Press wire - Nov 18, 1997

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