Area farmer fined for animal disposal methods
Tuesday, July 03, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
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Martin Fremlin fined $2,000 for the improper disposal of dead animals
SAULT STE. MARIE - On May 30, 2012, Martin Fremlin pleaded guilty to one violation under the Nutrient Management Act for the improper disposal of dead animals.
The Court heard that Mr. Fremlin is the legal owner of a farm in Echo Bay.
In June 2011, a complaint was received about several dead horses in a barn on the farm.
The ministry attended the site and observed three dead horses in different stages of decomposition.
These horses were laying in manure and mud and there had been no attempt to bury, dispose of or remove these farm animals from the barn.
Mr. Fremlin was directed to immediately dispose of the animals.
Mr. Fremlin was charged following an investigation by the ministry’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch.
Mr. Fremlin was fined $2,000 plus a victim fine surcharge and was given 12 months to pay the fine.
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methos 7/3/2012 12:58:21 PM ReportI am happy to read that this person was fined in regards to the improper buriel of the horses but this situation only raises a more important question.
Why and how did these poor horses die.
If this person doesn't care enough to bury an animal that he is responsible for, then I suspect that he didn't take care of the horses when they were alive. In my experience three horses do not just drop dead together without help or neglect.
This also needs investigation and charges if necessary...
Barriver 7/3/2012 1:33:25 PM ReportThis has been happening for years around the bar river/ echo bay area. Numerous phone calls to the local humane society have been placed to no avail. In response to the first comment... you are absolutely right that horses dont just drop dead without a lot of suffering. I can only imagine what they went through before they past away. Also why are these so called "farmers" still allowed to breed and breed and breed horses...it is beyond me that is for sure
sammygirl 7/3/2012 2:53:37 PM ReportIf it wasn't a FREMLIN then I am sure they would have posted his whole name. But naturally because its associated with Mr. Lock City Dairy...nothign
Stevie-E 7/3/2012 3:36:42 PM Report@Sammy
FIRST SENTENCE READS:
On May 30, 2012, Martin Fremlin pleaded guilty to one violation under the Nutrient Management Act for the improper disposal of dead animals.
Jealousy or resent really clouds people's reading, seeing and listening ability.
The higher you get the more you become a target for negativity, I guess.
geterdun 7/3/2012 5:01:55 PM Report$2000 thats it for letting three horses die laying in s$%t???? please I think something is wrong when any individual can just leave three horses to lay around decomposing. I think the board of health should be showing up and inspecting the place for any other infractions this so called (farmer )is up to.....
just goes to show you what humans think of animals.... this is truly a SAD time in humanity.... I will remember the name when I need to buy some dairy products..... The goverment needs to crack down or at least investigate these types of criminals. When others call and complain it is usually for a reason !!!!HELLO!!!!!!!!
231Turbo6 7/3/2012 6:18:38 PM ReportYou people commenting on this story need to take your heads out your asses. Yes this person is related but in no way connected with the dairy. Get your facts straight before slandering a business on a public forum
Mousie 7/3/2012 8:24:18 PM ReportThis is not the first time dead animals have been found on his property. Another example of ineptitude by the local humane society and the inadequacy of the animal protection laws in this country in general. Where are the animal cruelty charges? Like others have said, 3 horses (and how many other horses/animals) don't just drop dead of their own accord! It's obviously the result of severe neglect and starvation. How is this pitiful excuse for a human even allowed to own animals? Likely those horses (and the other animals left to die and rot on his "farm") suffered and were ignored for a long time in life before being ignored and disrespected once again in death. And animals know, understand and fear death. Imagine the other horses, having to live with the dead, decaying bodies of their stablemates while starving and living in filth themselves! $2000 with 12 months to pay it? Yep, that'll teach him and the others like him! A very, very sad statement of the arrogance and disregard the human race has towards other sentient beings, their suffering and how little value our society places on their lives.
Evale 7/4/2012 2:04:47 AM ReportThe way that a country, city or town allows its animals to be treated speaks volumes about what kind of people they really are. People need to speak up and let it be known that they will not tolerate any form of animal cruelty. Enough with the slap on the wrist. These poor animals must have suffered!! Harsh measures are required to show what kind of people Canadians are. We should also boycot countries that don't share our values.
Furthermore there are other companies that produce milk!!
horselover2 7/4/2012 12:13:49 PM ReportSammie, not sure what you mean by the higher they get, and believe me no one in the Bar River area is jealous of this family. This has been going on for a long time, and the Humane Society has been contacted many, many times regarding horses on their property. Unfortunately the HS has dropped the ball too many times, overlooking the real problem with these people breeding horses and leaving a lot to just die. Obviously these people are not concerned with the welfare of these animals, therefore should be forbidden to keep them. It is sickening to watch hundreds of horses wandering , scavenging for food and clean water,, I often wonder when something will be done to put an end to it....
Barriver 7/4/2012 7:42:45 PM ReportI feel like it is up to the media now... take this story and run with it!!! i know of at least three farms in the area that have very bad horse husbandry practices and all of them breed and breed and breed horses. They all also love to sell horses for trade on tack or for low low prices. Never thinking that if someone only has 100-500 to spend how are they going to look after the animal?? so they let these poor horses go full well knowing that they will not be able to be looked after( now i am sure there are some capable people out there that will look after them but these people are not the majority that buy from these farms) Most the neighbors are appalled with the situation but afraid to rock the neighborhood boat. My question is why is he still allowed to own animals?? at what point is it called animal cruelty and all of his livestock taken away?? is it not obvious that he doesnt look after them??? what will it take, a few more dead horses? Also why is the MOE allowing the horses to drink from the Bar River??? I thought that was illegal? ...doesnt it remind anyone of a small problem that people had in Walkerton??? people on the bar river draw water from the river as well as the fact that it feeds into lake George... come on lets get it together there is more to this story and should have been more than a measly $2000 fine
horselover2 7/5/2012 2:57:45 PM ReportLove your comments bar river,I am from the area and am appalled by these so called horse breeders. I hope to get this story out to the proper authorities and just hope more is done. None of them should be allowed to have animals, they bock at authorities though and believe they don't have to answer to anyone, I think it is time they do!! For the sake of the animals!i am so not afraid to rock the boat!!
Note: Comments that appear on the site are not the opinion of SooToday.com. Keep discussions civil and on topic. Refrain from obscenity and don't post anything that your grandmother would be ashamed to read. Those who do not abide by these guidelines will have their membership revoked without notice. If you see an abusive post, please click the link beside the post to report it.
