Three people from Stouffville have been charged with neglect under the Ontario SPCA Act following an investigation into the treatment of horses in their care.

On May 3, 2018, an Ontario SPCA officer attended a rural property in Stouffville after receiving a concern about the welfare of a herd of horses. The officer observed 14 horses and one pony living in unsanitary conditions. A veterinarian was brought in to examine the horses, which were found to be in thin body condition, with ribs, hips and spine easily visible on many of the animals. Their hooves were also severely neglected.

Multiple deceased horses were also located on the property in various levels of decomposition.

Three Stouffville residents have been charged with permitting an animal to be in distress, failing to provide adequate food, and failing to provide care necessary for general welfare. They are due to appear in a Newmarket Provincial Offences Court on July 6, 2018.

The horses from the Stouffville property have been re-homed and the Ontario SPCA continues to monitor their care to ensure all veterinary recommendations are being followed.

“There is no excuse for failing to provide the necessary care for your animals,” says Alison Green, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you fail to provide for them, there will be consequences under the law.”

It is reported that the animals were under the care of David Lee Small, Victoria Small and Jason Leroy Small, who had been renting the property from owner Michael Cheung.

Oscar Calvete, an equine veterinarian brought in by the Ontario SPCA, described it as the worst case of animal neglect he’s seen in his 36-year career.

– with files from OSPCA and CBC.ca.

Photo: Shutterstock/Reddogs

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