BulletinMinistry of the Solicitor GeneralPublished: July 10, 2026

Chatham resident fined and banned after animal welfare convictions

Amber Williams was convicted in Chatham under the PAWS Act, fined $4,500 and prohibited from owning or caring for animals for three years.

Published

July 10, 2026

Source

Ministry of the Solicitor General

Release type

Bulletin

External ID

1007726

Summary

What happened

On June 9, 2026, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Chatham, Amber Williams was found guilty of: two counts of permitting animals to be in distress (section 15(2)); six counts of failing to comply with prescribed standards of care (section 13(1)); and one count of failing to comply with an order (section 30(4)).

By the numbers

Fine: $4,500
Ban: prohibited from owning, having custody of, or living with any animal for three years

Why it matters

The conviction enforces the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act), which created a provincial animal welfare enforcement system when it took effect January 1, 2020.
The ministry reports that, as of May 2026, Animal Welfare Services issued more than 18,700 distress orders, laid over 2,500 charges under the PAWS Act, and removed over 15,700 animals from situations of distress.

How to report animal distress

If you believe an animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).