THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay court has convicted a city woman on several charges related to the treatment of a dog in her care.
The Ontario SPCA says Kristin McKay, 35, pled guilty under provincial legislation to charges of permitting a dog to be in distress, failing to provide care necessary for the animal's general welfare, and failing to provide adequate and appropriate sanitary conditions.
According to the OSPCA, an officer working at the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society received a call from Thunder Bay Police in May 2017 after officers discovered a dog living in unsanitary conditions in the basement of a local residence.
The animal, which is between one and two years old, was tied to a pole on what was described as a very short lead.
An investigation revealed the dog had been locked in the basement for three days.
Dryer sheets had been placed over the floor vents upstairs in an effort to reduce the smell of urine and feces entering the living area of the home.
A veterinary examination found the animal had a metal "prong" collar deeply embedded in its neck, which had to be removed surgically.
The dog recovered from his injuries in the care of the Humane Society and was later re-homed.
McKay received a 12-month suspended sentence and one year of probation, but was also prohibited from owning animals for 10 years and was fined a total of $300.
In addition, she was required to pay $419.68 in restitution to the Humane Society.
"The pain and unsanitary conditions this dog experienced is inexcusable," said Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector for the OSPCA. "Many options exist for owners of pets who require assistance to care for their animals."
