Blenheim court convicts two under provincial animal welfare law

What happened

• On July 22, 2026, the Ontario Court of Justice in Blenheim convicted Joyce Electra Theriault and Russell Jacob Clendenning under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act).
• Both were found guilty of permitting an animal to be in distress (section 15(2)). Theriault was also found guilty of failing to comply with prescribed standards of care (section 13(1)).

Penalties and orders

• Russell Jacob Clendenning: fined $500.
• Joyce Electra Theriault: fined $1,000 and subject to a three-year court order requiring ongoing care and monitoring of the dog involved.

Why it matters

• The case shows the provincial PAWS Act is being used in courts to address animal distress and impose fines and monitoring orders.
• The ministry notes that, as of July 2026, Animal Welfare Services had issued more than 19,600 distress orders, laid over 2,500 charges, and removed over 18,500 animals from distressing situations.

If you suspect animal abuse or distress, call the provincial hotline: 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).