SUDBURY -- The Timmins & District Humane Society (TDHS) says three people from Englehart, north of Temiskaming Shores, face numerous federal and provincial animal cruelty charges stemming from an investigation that reportedly began in September.

Officials say the Northern Animal Welfare Unit (NAWU), which is operating under the umbrella of the TDHS, responded to concerns about horses and cattle without proper shelter or fencing. They say this allegedly resulted in two horses being killed by motor vehicles after wandering off the property.

Alicia Santamaria is the executive director of TDHS. She says an investigation allegedly found horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry in various forms of neglect in poor and unsanitary conditions.

According to the humane society, as per the provincial legislative process, the owners were to remedy the situation.

However, Santamaria says when inspectors returned on Nov. 4 with a veterinarian, 29 animals were removed from the property due to ongoing distress.

Santamaria says the animals will remain in the care of the NAWU, where they continue to recover with appropriate care and treatment.

The three accused, one man and two women, are scheduled to appear in court in Haileybury on Jan. 7 for eight federal offences:

  • Willfully cause a horse unnecessary pain and suffering  
  • Willfully neglecting a horse, by failing to provide adequate food, water, and care  

The trio of accused are scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 9 for a total of 34 provincial charges including:

  • Causing an animal to be in distress  
  • Permitting an animal to be in distress  
  • failing to provide appropriate care for their general welfare, adequate and appropriate food and water, appropriate shelter from the elements, appropriate bedding, sanitary conditions, comply with an Ontario SPCA Order, and an enclosure that will not injure the animal

"As the province transitions to a fully functional animal welfare model, the TDHS continues to ensure that those who will abuse and/or neglect animals are held accountable for inhumane and cruel actions against animals," said Santamaria.