Former Humane Society volunteer pleads guilty to animal neglect

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Two Islanders one of whom used to volunteer with the PEI Humane Society were fined $1,000 each Friday in Charlottetown Provincial Court for neglecting their pet dog.

Nicholas, a Rottweiller-Lab mix, was seized by Humane Society officials from the couple's apartment in Crapaud, P.E.I., in April.

The dog was underweightandmalnourished, with an infected, open wound on its shoulder, and with dried feces in its food dish and in its fur, according to investigators.

Christian Gauthier, 27, and her former live-in partner, Christopher Wayne Gallant, 37, both wept in court as they pleaded guilty to a chargeunder the Companion Animals Protection Act. Criminal charges of animal cruelty were stayed.

'She should have known better'

According to facts presented in court, Gauthierhad formerly volunteered with the PEI Humane Society.

"She should have known better," said Crown prosecutor Jeffery MacDonald. "She hasseen animals in distress."

MacDonald said Gauthiertold police about her past involvement as a humane society volunteer when they interviewed her afterseizingthe dog.

The Humane Society was called to the couple's apartment April 11, after a local real estate agent was in the building that day with a client and happened to see the dog.

Gauthier wasn't a volunteer with the Humane Society at the time of the seizure.

The animal was taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College for examination, and later to the Humane Society's animal shelter.

Couple couldn't afford vet: defence

According to facts presented in court, veterinarians described Nicholas as "very emaciated" with avery low body-condition score.

Defence lawyer Yolande Murphy told court the couple had little money and felt they could not afford the cost of veterinary care.

Gallant stood up and told court the dog belonged primarily to Gauthier, but that it was his fault they didn't take it to a vet, because he was working long hours and needed to earn more money.

The judge brushed that explanation aside.

"If you can't afford to keep a dog, you shouldn't have a dog. It's as simple as that," said judge Nancy Orr. "It defies comprehension that you couldn't see the dog needed care."

$1K fine, 10 year ban on owning pets

In addition to the $1,000 fines, Gauthier and Gallant are forbidden from owning pets for 10 years.

They also have to pay the Humane Society $2,678.55 for the care Nicholas received.

Court heard Gallant owes $72,000 in unpaid fines and restitution orders, stemming fromcriminal convictions over the past 15 years.

The dog is now recoveringin foster care, under the supervision of the PEI Humane Society.

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