A B.C. Provincial Court judge fined Wendy Klassen and John Warren $100 plus a $15 victim fine surcharge each along with a ban on owning, having custody of or residing with any animal or bird for three years.
The pair pleaded guilty in November to animal cruelty charges related to causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal and failing to provide the necessaries for an animal were stayed.
“While we’re pleased that Mr. Warren and Ms. Klassen acknowledged that they had caused distress to their dog when they pled guilty, their utter failure to provide this poor dog with even the basic comforts when he was injured clearly shows that they should not have the benefit of owning animals the future,” says Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the animal welfare and protection society.
Last year, the BC SPCA conducted 7,000 cruelty investigations. Your gift can help rescue an abused or neglected animal and bring abusers to justice. Please donate today.
August 24, 2010
Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against Maple Ridge residents John Warren and Wendy Klassen after they failed to seek proper veterinary care for their injured dog. The couple faces charges under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.
The BC SPCA was called to the residence in February after receiving a report that a dog had been hit by a car and was later seen limping. “When our constables contacted the owners, the couple admitted that they had not taken Max, a 15-month-old rottweiler mix, for veterinary care,” said Marcie Moriarty, general manager of cruelty investigations for the BC SPCA. “We issued an order for the dog to be taken to a clinic and they eventually took him in for an examination but refused the treatment recommended by the veterinarian.”
The dog, who was kept outdoors on a chain, was seized by BC SPCA constables and taken for ongoing veterinary care, but later had to be humanely euthanized after his treatment options were exhausted.
“This is a very sad example of an animal who was needlessly left to suffer,” said Moriarty. “It is important that pet guardians understand their moral and legal responsibility to ensure that their animals are not in distress.”
Warren and Klassen make their first court appearance on Thursday (Aug. 26). If convicted, they face a fine of up to $10,000, up to six months in jail and a prohibition on owning animals for a period of time determined by a judge.
The BC SPCA conducts an estimated 5,900 new cruelty investigations and executes more than 130 warrants as the only animal welfare organization of its kind in B.C. with the authority to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty. You can help to rescue, care for and protect these animals with a gift to our Heroes Fund for Animal Protection. Please donate today. With your help, we can save lives. Thank you.
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.