"In order for charges to be laid under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, it must be proved that the perpetrator's actions were wilful and intended to cause unnecessary suffering."
That statement is completely wrong. No intent is needed to lay charges under the PCA Act; 'intent' is only required by the Criminal Code.
If intent were necessary, the SPCA would not be able to make nearly as many seizures as it does using the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act).