In Ontario, people get charged for cruel behavior at auctions, here is one press release

Livestock Sales Operator Convicted And Fined Under Agricultural Legislation

March 22, 2010

HAILEYBURY — A resident of Haileybury pleaded guilty under two pieces of legislation and was fined as a result of an investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources’ (MNR) Agriculture Investigations Unit.

On February 25, 2010, William J. Stewart pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Haileybury to one count under the Livestock Community Sales Act and two counts under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 (FSQA). The court heard that, on October 26 and 27, 2009, Stewart, while being employed at the Temiskaming Livestock Exchange in New Liskeard, moved a sick or injured cow by the neck, in an inhumane manner. In addition, he left the animal for a period of approximately 12 hours on the ground, contrary to the requirement to promptly kill a fallen animal. An inspector ensured that the cow was humanely euthanized following this incident. The court also heard that, between October 26 and November 23, 2009, Stewart failed to dispose of other deadstock within 48 hours of death.

Justice of the Peace Sharon Roberson sentenced Stewart to a fine of $2,500 plus the victim fine surcharge of $625 for one count under the FSQA. Stewart received suspended sentences on the remaining two counts.
Quick facts

* The Livestock Community Sales Act and Regulation 729 provide for the licensing of community sales of consigned livestock in Ontario. Legislation exists to provide confidence in an orderly market, monitor animal healthand the humane handling of livestock and ensure financial stability of the licensed operator. The maximum fine for a first offence under the act is $2,000 and $5,000 for a second or subsequent offence.

* The Disposal of Deadstock Regulation (O. Reg. 105/09) under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001, governs the disposal of deadstock in non-farm settings.

* The maximum penalty for an individual convicted of an offence under the Food Safety and Quality Act is: $25,000 for a first conviction and $50,000 for each subsequent conviction (for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues); imprisonment for two years; or both the fine and imprisonment.

* The acts and regulations are administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs with investigative and prosecution services that arise under the legislation provided by MNR.

Help us enforce the law

Anyone with information regarding potential violations of provincial agriculture and food legislation is asked to contact the OMAFRA Regulatory Compliance Unit at (519) 826-4537. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).