Media Release
Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) faces $2.6 million lawsuit
October 9, 2006 -- Kurt Suss arrived at his Hastings home Feb. 13, 2004 to find the OSPCA conducting a warantless “random search”.
This did not sit well with Mr. Suss, a renowned international canine behaviourist and author, a specialist in canine-assisted law-enforcement for governmental and police bodies.
OSPCA Inspector Kevin Feagan, OSPCA Agent Bradley Algar and Asphodel Township by-law officer Raymond Hubble dismissed his concerns citing an “anonymous tip”. Upon leaving, Inspector Feagan commented: “Everything is fine Mr. Suss, you have nothing to worry about.”
Mr. Suss was troubled by the OSPCA’s actions and visited Inspector Feagan at the Peterborough Humane Society offices to discuss the matter. Inspector Feagan angrily demanded Mr. Suss leave saying “You can bet you’ll see me again.”
Greatly concerned Mr. Suss involved a Justice of the Peace and the OPP preparing a witness statement for OPP Officer Jennifer Payne on February 17, 2004.
February 20, 2004 Inspector Feagan, Agent Algar and 2 OPP officers conducted a search of the Suss residence and property in Mr. Suss’ absence, this time with a warrant. Mr. Suss was arrested at a neighbour’s home. (Ernie and Jackie Dufty 705-696-2079)
Fourteen weapons charges were laid all of which were withdrawn May 17, 2005. Animal Cruelty charges were never laid.
2 OSPCA orders were dropped off the next morning. (continue to ensure clean kennels, water at all times, seek veterinary treatment for a 14 year old Springer Spaniel with thinning armpit hair.)
OSPCA documents show Inspector Feagan swore before a Justice of the Peace that a particular person had called the OSPCA reporting “dogs in distress” at the Suss residence. Mr. Suss has filed a $2.6 million lawsuit alleging the OSPCA falsified information to obtain this warrant. The OPP is also named.
This is not unprecedented behaviour by the OSPCA. In another case, Ontario Court Justice Peter Griffiths ruled in 2003 that the OSPCA had conducted an illegal search by withholding information in obtaining a search warrant stating “the men’s Charter rights not to be unreasonably searched had suffered a “breach of the highest order.”
Former OSPCA Treasurer and director Garnet Lasby’s stated in May 2006 that “the OSPCA should be involved in welfare of animals and education, not in criminal investigations and prosecutions.” Mr. Lasby resigned together with 28 OSPCA Directors in Spring 2006.
For information contact Kurt Suss at 705-696-3915 or email: isiscanine@hotmail.com.