BulletinMinistry of the Solicitor GeneralPublished: July 24, 2026
Simcoe court convicts Jody Ross for animal welfare offences; 10-year ownership ban
On June 18, 2026, a Simcoe court fined Jody Ross $9,000, gave two years' probation with a cruelty-prevention course, and banned them from animal ownership for 10 years.
Summary
What happened and who it affects
- On June 18, 2026, the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe found Jody Ross guilty under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act).
By the numbers
- Fines and penalties: $9,000 fine.
- Supervision: two years' probation that includes an animal cruelty prevention course.
- Ownership ban: prohibited from owning, having custody of, caring for, or living with any animal for 10 years.
Law and wider context from the release
- The PAWS Act took effect January 1, 2020, creating a provincial animal welfare enforcement system.
- As of May 2026, Ontario's Animal Welfare Services had issued more than 18,700 distress orders, laid over 2,500 charges under the PAWS Act, and removed over 15,700 animals from distressing situations.
What you can do
- If you believe an animal is in distress or being abused, the release directs you to call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
Related links
Source: Ontario Newsroom