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Owners of 'stray dog' fined

A veterinary examination confirmed the dog was emaciated, dehydrated and severely malnourished.
ospca officer and van
OSPCA agents. File photo. Matt Vis, tbnewswatch.com)

 Two people from Thunder Bay have been convicted under provincial animal welfare legislation following an investigation relating to the treatment of a dog in their care.

Billy-Joe Holmquist, 36, and Jennifer Holmquist, 32, pled guilty in a Thunder Bay Provincial Offences Court on September 21, to one count each of permitting distress. The Justice of the Peace sentenced them both to 12 months probation and fined them $200 each.

On February 20, an Ontario SPCA officer with the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society followed up on a concern that was reported about a stray dog in poor body condition that was being cared for at the Thunder Bay Animal Services Centre. A veterinary examination confirmed the dog was emaciated, dehydrated and severely malnourished.

Thanks to tips from the public, the Holmquists were identified as the owners of the dog and were subsequently charged under provincial animal welfare legislation.

The dog was surrendered into the care of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society and was treated for his condition and re-homed.