Elliot Lake woman guilty of animal cruelty after emaciated kitten dies

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO SPCA
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A 30-year-old Elliot Lake woman has been found guilty of three counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act following an investigation into her neglect of a cat in her care.

On Dec. 6, 2017 Rosanna Shiels was found guilty in an Espanola Provincial Offences Court of permitting distress, failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention and failing to provide adequate and appropriate food and water. She was sentenced to a 15-year prohibition on owning, caring for, or living with animals, and received a fine of $1,700.

An Ontario SPCA officer attended a residence in Elliot Lake on June 29, 2017 after receiving a concern relating to an approximately eight-week-old kitten. The officer identified an emaciated, ginger-coloured, male kitten with a large plum-size bump on his forehead, to be in the care of Shiels. Shiels voluntarily surrendered the kitten to the Ontario SPCA.

The kitten was immediately taken to an animal hospital where a veterinary examination revealed he was infested with parasites and had suffered blunt-force trauma to his head. Unfortunately, despite receiving medical care, the kitten died as a result of his condition.

“With resources available to help people who are unable to care for their pets, there is no excuse for allowing your animal to suffer needless neglect and suffering,” says Lynn Michaud, senior inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you fail to meet the lawful standards of care for an animal, there will be consequences under the law.” 

To report animal cruelty, call the Ontario SPCA’s province-wide dispatch centre at 310-SPCA (7722).

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