OSPCA MEDIA RELEASE
Mississauga, Ont. (13 May, 2004) - James Heath, 53, of Mississauga, Ontario has been charged by the Ontario SPCA under the Criminal Code of Canada with permitting unnecessary pain and suffering to be caused to his dog which had been, Heath admitted to investigators, "butchered" in an attempt to neuter it.
Heath claimed to Ontario SPCA investigators that he had paid $100 to an undisclosed person who had offered to neuter the two-year old golden retriever type dog in the garage at Heath's residence. The 'operation' took place on the morning of May 2nd, the investigation revealing that Heath tied an electrical cord around the dog's scrotum the night before. Around mid-day, with severe bleeding, the dog was taken by Heath to a local veterinary clinic where emergency surgery was undertaken to rectify considerable damage and contamination of the wound with grass and dirt. The dog is now recovering.
"Needless suffering of this kind is extremely disturbing," said Judy Marshall, Ontario SPCA Chief Executive Officer. "I can't imagine why anyone might think it could be justified by the prospect of saving a little money. Spaying and neutering of pets is recommended, but of course the procedures should only be undertaken by a qualified veterinarian."
The investigation by the Ontario SPCA into the circumstances of this incident is ongoing. "We don't know who the person is who was paid to do the neutering," said investigating officer Inspector Sarah Jones. "The dog's owner claims he met him in a local park while walking his dog, and knows nothing about him. It may be that this person has offered the neutering 'service' to others and we would urge anyone with information to contact the Ontario SPCA. Obviously, if this is happening, pets are at great risk."
If you have any information relating to this case contact Inspector Sarah Jones of the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 338.
To report suspected animal cruelty or neglect call the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 1, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA Branch, affiliated humane society or police.
For media enquiries, please call: Brian Pemberton, Director of Communications 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 308, bpemberton@ospca.on.ca
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