Montreal, July 31, 2013 – In 2012, Christian Roy, a resident of Quebec, was charged under Article Art. 445.1 a) of the Canadian Criminal Code with: “voluntarily causing an animal pain, suffering, injury unnecessary.”

At his trial on July 19, 2013, Mr. Roy was found guilty and was sentenced to a $1,000 fine. A prohibition order was also issued, forbidding him from owning any animal, having custody or staying in a place where there is an animal for a period of two years. Mr. Roy has now a criminal record.

Here is a summary of the facts:

In December 2011, a colony of stray cats were living on some land  around the block where M. Roy lived, which, by his own admission, exasperated him.

To protect themselves from the winter cold, the cats were in the habit of getting into the motors of cars parked  in the parking lot of the building. The morning of December 18, 2011, Mr. Roy was leaving his residence and was in a hurry. Like every morning, he checked if there were cats hidden near the engine of his truck. Witnesses saw Mr. Roy open the hood of his truck and take out a kitten who had taken refuge there. Mr. Roy then violently closed the hood on the kitten’s head and then threw him against a nearby fence. According to one of the witnesses, after this occurred, Mr. Roy ranted about stray cats and left.

The kitten, who survived, but was in dire shape, was found by neighbors who took him and entrusted him to another neighbor. The organization Operation Felix, dedicated to the cause of stray cats, was contacted so the cat could be taken and treated. A volunteer from the organization subsequently brought the cat to a vet to be examined.

Seeing that the animal’s injuries caused him excruciating pain, the veterinarians unfortunately decided they had to proceed with a humane euthanasia. All examination fees and euthanasia were settled by the generous volunteer.

A witness then contacted Montreal’s SPCA to make a complaint and the cruelty investigations department immediately started an investigation.  A necropsy was subsequently performed on the animal’s body. The results showed that the kitten, in addition to a head injury, suffered a broken jaw. These results were consistent with blunt force trauma and corroborate the witnesses’ version.

We wish to thank the prosecutors, veterinarians and all witnesses who contributed to this dossier. This case illustrates the importance for anyone who witnessed neglect or cruelty to an animal to complain. Each gesture can make a difference and help animals.

“This guilty verdict sends an important message that people who harm animals, including stray animals, can be subject to criminal prosecution’ said Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy at Montreal’s SPCA. ‘While we are constantly disappointed by the light sentences handed out to animal abusers, we are continuously working on investigating animal cruelty and neglect and working for stronger animal protection legislation and get some form of justice for these animals.”

Inspectors from Montreal’s SPCA respond to all complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. We treat them confidentially. They also check the places where animals are kept for sale, lease or to be exhibited. In 2012, they handled nearly 1,000 new complaints, including follow-ups, and they conducted the inspection of 4,645 animals, all species combined.

To report any case of cruelty or animal neglect, please leave us a message at: (514) 735-271, ext.2230, or send an email at inspection@spcamontreal.com. In case of emergency, please call (514) 735-2711, extension 0.

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Media contact: Anthony Johnson, Director of Development, Montreal’s SPCA, 514-735-2711, ext 2259, or ajohnson@spcamontreal.com

About the SPCA: The Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane society in Canada, founded in Montreal in 1869. Guided by the humane ethic, it is the mission of the SPCA to:

•  protect animals against negligence, abuse, and exploitation;
• represent their interests and ensure their well-being;
• raise public awareness and help develop compassion for all living beings.

Visit our web site at www.spca.com.