Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

09/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2026 12:43

Ontario Court Convicts Individual of Animal Welfare Offences

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An individual has been convicted of offences under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act).

On August 24, 2026, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Welland, Carly Young was found guilty of:

  • Causing an animal to be in distress contrary to section 15(1)
  • Exposing an animal to an undue risk of distress contrary to section 15(3)
  • Failing to comply with prescribed standards of care contrary to section 13(1)

Young was fined $7,000, sentenced to two years probation and is prohibited from owning, having custody or care of, or living with any animal for life.

Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario. If you think any animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).

Quick Facts

  • The PAWS Act came into effect January 1, 2020, making Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a full provincial animal welfare enforcement system to enhance animal safety.
  • As of July 2026, Ontario's Animal Welfare Services issued more than 19,600 distress orders, laid over 2,500 charges for offences under the PAWS Act and removed over 18,500 animals from situations of distress negatively impacting their welfare.

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Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care published this content on September 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 04, 2026 at 18:43 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]