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A Sturgeon Falls man has pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty after after a cat he owned died from starvation and severe flea infestation.
Joel Larocque was charged with:
- Failure to provide care necessary for an animal’s general welfare
- Failure to provide adequate and appropriate veterinary medical attention
A news release from North Bay & District Humane Society says that on November 8, 2013, they received a report regarding the death of a kitten that had been in the care of Larocque.
Ontario SPCA Officers investigated the claim which revealed that on October 30, 2013, Larocque had brought his thin and sickly kitten to a friend requesting that person care for it.
The kitten died later that day.
Larocque acknowledged that the kitten had been ill and that he had not provided proper care or took any steps to seek medical help for his kitten.
A necropsy of the kitten was conducted and it was found that it had died from starvation and a severe flea infestation.
Larocque was sentenced and received a 10-year prohibition from living with, caring for, or owning any animal.
He was ordered to surrender any other animals in his care within 30 days and advise the Ontario SPCA of any address changes. Larocque was also ordered to pay $597.80 in restitution and a $100 fine.
“There is no excuse to let an animal go without proper veterinary medical attention,” says Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector.
Daryl Vaillancourt, General Manager of the local humane society said, “The animals in our care rely on us to provide them with necessary and appropriate medical attention when needed. If providing basic care for an animal in your care becomes difficult, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to ensure that the animal’s health isn’t compromised.
“Contact the North Bay and District Humane Society or a veterinarian to see what options are available, continued Vaillancourt.”
To report cruelty please call 310-SPCA or email your concern to [email protected].”
