Hearst woman convicted of animal welfare offences

An Ontario Court justice has fined a Hearst woman for permitting an animal to be in distress. (File)

An Ontario Court justice has fined a Hearst woman for permitting an animal to be in distress.

In addition to a $100 fine, Sandra Blanchard is also prohibited from owning or caring for an animal for six months. The case was heard in Hearst on April 21.

“Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario,” the province said in a news release.

“If you think any animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).”

Animal welfare enforcement

The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act came into effect Jan. 1, 2020, making Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a full provincial animal welfare enforcement system to enhance animal safety.

As of March of this year, more than 18,300 distress orders have been issued under the act and more than 2,400 charges have been laid.

In addition, more than 15,300 animals have been removed “from situations of distress negatively impacting their welfare,” the release said.