A 61-year-old woman from Sudbury has been found guilty of four counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act as the result of an investigation into her care of 26 dogs.
The SPCA executed a search warrant at Connie Metayer’s property on May 14, 2014. The warrant was the result of the Society’s ongoing investigation into the care of Metayer’s animals and her ongoing failure to address identified distress with her animals. Twenty Border Collies and Border Collie-type dogs, along with six puppies, were discovered living in what the Society describes as "deplorable conditions."
"Garbage and debris were strewn around the rural property, with feces throughout the dwelling," says a news release from the Society. "Officers witnessed dogs repeatedly, and without any apparent provocation, engage in fights amongst themselves, as well as dogs with evidence of fresh and old fight wounds. Dogs were found to be matted and severely unkempt. Officers also noted various untreated medical conditions, such as open wounds and animals that were limping. The dogs did not have access to clean water and the only source of food seen on the property was decaying scraps of meat. Shelter consisted of two temporary “car port” type structures and access underneath the dwelling on the property."
At the recommendation of the on-site veterinarian, the dogs were removed from the property. All 26 have since been adopted out.
Metayer, was found guilty on March 23, 2017 in a Sudbury Provincial Offenses Court of permitting distress, failing to provide medical attention, failing to provide the care necessary for general welfare and failing to comply with an Order.
She was sentenced to two years probation and received a lifetime prohibition preventing her from owning more than one dog at any one time. Any dog in her care must also be taken to a veterinarian annually and Metayer must follow the veterinarian’s recommendations.
