Thunder Bay court imposes $10,000 animal-welfare fine

The Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay found Brett Harrison guilty of two offences under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act). The offences involved failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention and failing to comply with an order. He was fined $10,000.

As of September 2026, Ontario Animal Welfare Services reported that it had:

• Issued more than 19,900 distress orders
• Laid over 2,800 charges under the PAWS Act
• Removed over 20,700 animals from situations of distress

To report an animal in distress or suspected abuse, the release says to call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).