Exploiting animals on Kijiji nets Calgary woman $7,000 fine

[Catty1]

Exploiting animals on Kijiji nets Calgary woman $7,000 fine

Humane society says it is the largest fine ever issued in Calgary

CBC News Posted: Apr 24, 2014 2:42 PM MT Last Updated: Apr 24, 2014 2:49 PM MT




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The investigation was started in 2011 when S’mores was brought into the Calgary Humane Society for treatment. (Calgary Humane Society)

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Ashley Onen of Calgary has been fined $7,000 for her role in an online scam. She is also banned from owning animals for 10 years, with the exception of the pets currently in her care.

• Kijiji fee aimed at weeding out unscrupulous pet brokers

The Calgary Humane Society says the woman used various aliases to get free animals on Kijiji.
Four other small-breed dogs were seized in various states of neglect after a search warrant was issued. (Calgary Humane Society)

She would later sell them, but officials say she neglected them while in her care and falsified the medical histories of the pets.
An investigation began in 2011 when a dog in poor shape was taken in for treatment. Four other small-breed dogs were seized in various states of neglect after a search warrant was issued.
“This was a unique case in that the offence was motivated by profit," says Brad Nichols, manager of cruelty investigations.
“This type of exploitive behaviour is concerning and deserving of a significant penalty. The $7,000 fine is the largest fine this agency has obtained on conviction and reflected the commercial aspect of the offence. The 10-year ban will put an end to her unethical revenue stream."
The humane society says this case highlights why people should never advertise a pet as free to a good home.

[phesina]

Can't she be thrown into jail too? For a long, LOOOOOONG time would be best.. and she could get the same level of care as the way she cared for her animals.

[Catty1]

Pat, the one encouraging thing about this is that it is the largest fine yet. I hope the penalties keep increasing and prison gets added to them.

[phesina]

Thanks, Candace. I hope this is all well publicized too. The more people learn about things like this going on, the more (I hope) things will change over time in the way animals are regarded and treated.

[mon]

Unfortunately, laws aren't strict enough in Canada. In regards to animals or human beings. In my humble opinion. I'm Canadian, just keepin' it real.

[Litterati]

100% agree Mon. And I'm a Canadian too. Jail time + big fine + never being allowed to have a pet again would vastly improve the justice system. Just sayin'.