BulletinMinistry of the Solicitor GeneralOctober 2, 2026
Ontario court orders $25,000 fine and vet inspections in animal case
A St. Thomas court convicted Judith Monteith of allowing an animal to be in distress and ordered veterinary checks at the property for two years.
Summary
On August 20, 2026, the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas convicted Judith Monteith of permitting an animal to be in distress, contrary to section 15(2) of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act).
- Penalty: $25,000 fine
- Order: Regular inspections of animals on the property by a licensed veterinarian for two years
As of August 2026, Ontario Animal Welfare Services had issued more than 19,700 distress orders, laid over 2,600 charges under the Act and removed over 20,300 animals from situations of distress.
Related links
Source: Ontario Newsroom