Update: the Animal Cruelty Appeal Board has upheld the seizure of the dog and he remains in the care of the SPCA

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DARTMOUTH WOMAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

Vanessa Wilson-Hatt, 30, of Dartmouth faces four charges of animal cruelty after SPCA
officers attended her residence on February 25, 2019 and were able to view a dog after several previous attempts were made. The dog was suffering from a medical issue and an order to comply was left for
the owner to bring the dog to a veterinarian for treatment.

Officers returned to the residence to check for compliance and found the dog in the same condition and it had not been treated by a veterinarian.

Because of the serious nature of the medical concerns for the dog, SPCA officers seized the dog and brought it for medical treatment where it is continuing with care at the SPCA.

Wilson-Hatt was charged with causing a dog to be in distress contrary to section 21 (1), failing to provide an animal with adequate medical attention when the animal is wounded or ill contrary to section 22 (b),
confining an animal an enclosure or area with inadequate space and unsanitary conditions contrary to section 22 (d) and failing to comply with direction given to the Act contrary to section 18 (D) of the
Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia.

She is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on April 9th, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.

In Nova Scotia, when an animal is seized by an enforcement agency including the SPCA, the owner has a
right to an appeal by the Animal Cruelty Appeal Board. An appeal has been filed with the Animal Cruelty Appeal Board that is set to occur on March 15th, 2019.

“Pet ownership is a serious commitment and owners must be willing to treat their pets when they are ill and in need of medical attention,” says Jo-Anne Landsburg, Chief Provincial Inspector with the SPCA. “If
you cannot afford treatment, it is your responsibility to reach out for help and not let an animal suffer.”

The Nova Scotia SPCA operates on a policy of zero tolerance for animal cruelty. The SPCA urges you to report acts of animal cruelty by contacting our confidential toll-free hotline at 1-888-703-7722.

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Source : Media Release