LUNENBURG, ON – On March 14, 2015, George Tessier, of Lunenburg, Ontario, pled guilty to two counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

The charges included:

• Permitting an animal to be in distress
• Failing to provide adequate and appropriate veterinary medical attention

On May 15, 2014, the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Branch received a call from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit requesting assistance with a possible rabies exposure.   Arrangements were made to have a sample taken from a deceased dog in the care of Mr. Tessier.

On May 16, 2014, Mr. Tessier brought the body of a deceased 12-year-old Yorkie-type dog named “Jazzie” to the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Branch.

Mr. Tessier explained he was looking after Jazzie for his father who was in the hospital. On May 10, 2014, his son’s unvaccinated Chow-type dog bit Jazzie in the head, causing head trauma. He stated the dog was not brought to a veterinarian for medical attention.

On May 14, 2014, the Yorkie began drooling and frothing at the mouth and passed away a few hours later. Following an examination and X-ray of the deceased dog, many medical issues were revealed including misalignment of the lower jaw, a fracture of the mandible, multiple fractures of the skull and severe crushing wounds to the skull. The dog did not have rabies.

“If pet owners are unable or unwilling to care for an animal there are better options than letting the animal suffer,” says Steve Toy, Senior Inspector. “Contact your local Ontario SPCA to discuss available services.”

Mr. Tessier was sentenced and ordered to pay a fine of $500 per charge ($1,000 total).

To report cruelty please call 310-SPCA or email your concern to cruelty@ospca.on.ca.