Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nova Scotia SPCA issues update on current active animal cruelty cases

Nova Scotia (Thursday, February 4, 2010) –Today, the Nova Scotia SPCA announced a number of animal cruelty provincial and federal charges served in ongoing cases throughout Nova Scotia:

1. Darren Gumbley, Annapolis County: 1 Criminal Code count 446 (1) b - failure to provide suitable food, water, shelter and care; one provincial offence 11 (2) - causing or permitting an animal to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is March 1, 2010 in Annapolis Co. The case involves one dog and three cats. The owner allegedly did not provide proper care and medical attention for the animals.

2. Yassine Bekkour, Halifax (HRM): 1 Criminal Code count 445 (1) a - wilful neglect causing damage or injury to animals; two provincial offenses 11 (1) - wilfully causing an animal pain, suffering or injury; and 11 (2) causing or permitting an animal to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is February 15, 2010 in Halifax. The case involves one cat. The owner allegedly struck the cat, resulting in severe trauma and a fracture.

3. Tom Jeffery, Yarmouth County: 1 Criminal Code count 446 (1) b - failure to provide suitable food, water, shelter and care; one provincial offence 11 (2) - causing or permitting an animal to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is March 2, 2010 in Yarmouth Co. The case involves one dog. The owner allegedly did not provide proper care and medical attention for the animal.

4. Janice Bingley, Pictou County: 1 provincial offence 11 (2) - causing or permitting an animal to be or continue to be in distress. Plea date is February 22, 2010 in New Glasgow. The case involves 8 dogs and 14 puppies. The owner allegedly did not provide proper care and medical attention for the animals.

These cases will be prosecuted in provincial courts by the respective Crown Attorney in the county where the charges have been filed and served.

To report animal cruelty call 1-888-703-7722. To make a donation to support the Society’s lifesaving work or to learn more about how to get involved, please visit www.spcans.ca.

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MEDIA CONTACT
media@spcans.ca
902-835-4798

ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA SPCA
Protecting animals from cruelty since 1877, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity, comprised of 11 Branches, which relies primarily on volunteers and donations to fund animal protection; care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Animal Cruelty Prevention Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws, making the Nova Scotia SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. To learn more, visit www.spcans.ca.