Transport Company Pleads Quilty to Animal Welfare Violation

Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Media Release,
October 5, 2004

Newmarket, Ont. – Funk’s Livestock Transport Ltd. of Steinbach, Manitoba
pleaded guilty on October 4th, 2004 in the Ontario Court of Justice in
Barrie to a charge brought by the Ontario SPCA under the Dead Animal
Disposal Act, for moving a fallen animal before it had been humanely killed.
The company was fined $2,000.00, the current maximum.

Ontario’s Dead Animal Disposal Act requires that fallen animals are humanely
euthanized, and not moved until the animal is euthanized. A fallen animal is
one disabled by disease, emaciation or other condition that is likely to
cause death.

Ontario is a common destination for sheep from Western Canada. Problems have
been identified due to the length of transport from the west. In this case a
load of sheep was transported from the Foam Lake, Saskatchewan area to a
stockyard north of Toronto.

On May 30th, 2004, the driver reported a dead lamb to the stockyard staff
and was told to dispose of it on the manure pile. The lamb, however, was
still alive. It was dumped by the employee of Funk’s Livestock Transport
Ltd. on the manure pile, and left there to die. Ontario SPCA Livestock
Inspector Doug Rombough found the lamb there the next day, and humanely
euthanised it immediately.

Rombough’s investigation determined that a truck operated by Funk’s carried
the lamb from Saskatchewan to Ontario. He could not, however, identify the
driver of the truck. As corporations are responsible for the actions of
their employees, Funk’s Livestock Transport Ltd. was charged.

By pleading guilty, a second charge of moving a non-ambulatory animal
without a veterinary examination contrary to the Ontario Regulation 732/94
under the Livestock and Livestock Products Act was withdrawn.

“This case highlights the fact that transport companies and their employees
must take full responsibility for ensuring the welfare of the animals that
are being transported,” said Rombough. “Disregard of legal requirements for
compromised animals like the fallen lamb will not be tolerated by the
Ontario SPCA, or by the courts.” Formerly Enforcement Coordinator for the
Alberta SPCA, Rombough demonstrates the increased focus of the Ontario SPCA
on farm animal issues. In addition to his duties at the stockyards, Rombough
is available on an on-call basis to advise Ontario SPCA Agents and
Inspectors on agricultural issues and to assist in agricultural
investigations.

A recent review of the Ontario Meat Inspection System by Justice Roland
Haines, initiated after allegations arose regarding a southern Ontario
abattoir, contains 113 recommendations, many of which have an animal welfare
component.

Significant is the recommendation for the implementation of provincial
Livestock Transport Regulations based on the Alberta model, the continuation
of the pilot project under which Ontario SPCA Inspectors conduct inspections
at stockyards, and increased oversight at the livestock sales barns.

As a registered charity the Ontario SPCA continues to provide a service to
the animals and people of Ontario. The Society’s Agents and Inspectors
investigated over 15,000 incidents in 2003, laying almost 500 charges,
seizing over 5,000 animals and issuing over 1,700 Orders.

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.