Man charged with 19 counts of animal cruelty after 87 animals removed from property in Elgin County
ELGIN COUNTY, ON, (March 01, 2007) – Following the removal of 17 ponies, eight donkeys, 25 ferrets, 12 budgies, two finches, one pheasant, 16 quail, four cockatiels and two doves from a property in Elgin County on August 31, 2006, Steve Straub, 44, of Bayham, has been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with 19 counts of cruelty to animals. Charges include seven counts of failing to provide suitable and adequate care; four counts of failing to provide suitable and adequate food; two counts of failing to provide suitable and adequate shelter; two counts of causing unnecessary pain; two counts of causing unnecessary suffering; one count of failing to provide suitable and adequate water; and one count of wilfully permitting to be caused injury.
The Ontario SPCA executed a search warrant at the property in Elgin County following an anonymous caller complaint. Ontario SPCA investigators discovered 17 ponies and eight donkeys suffering various ailments including cracked, broken and/or overgrown hooves; open wounds; abscesses and overgrown teeth that need to be floated (filed down). The animals' water supply was insufficient and filthy, and conditions included a lack of bedding and excessive amounts of fecal matter. Debris was scattered throughout the animals' living area.
In addition, the 25 ferrets and 37 birds were found in inadequate conditions which included, overcrowding, lack of food and water, and excessive fecal matter in their enclosures.
On the written recommendation of the attending veterinarian the animals were removed immediately. Ontario SPCA Orders were issued to improve the living conditions of the remaining animals, which include goats, sheep, quail, pigeons, rabbits, ducks, chickens, turkeys, pheasants, degus, dogs and a llama. The Orders remain in place and the Ontario SPCA continues to monitor the property. One rabbit was removed November 1, 2006 after Straub failed to comply with an Order requiring him to provide the animal with veterinary care to treat its abscess, and one rabbit was surrendered with a thin body condition and open wounds received from being housed without proper segregation from chickens.
Of the 88 animals removed, and one rabbit surrendered, many have since been adopted. Some animals remain available for adoption including a number of ferrets, a rabbit and some of the ponies and donkeys. If you are interested in a complete list of animals available for adoption please contact the Ontario SPCA Oxford County Branch at 519-456-5988.
Steve Straub will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, St. Thomas on June 12, 2007.
To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 1, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA Branch, affiliated humane society or police.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Tanti
Ontario SPCA Regional Inspector
1-519-861-1484 or 1-519-456-5988.
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The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 branches and affiliated humane societies relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation for all animals, government and industry advocacy, and public education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is a member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, and is affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Ontario SPCA Provincial Office, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR3 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4W1 • 1 888 ONT-SPCA (688-7722) • www.ontariospca.ca • info@ospca.on.ca
Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002