Two people have been convicted of cruelty to animals in Chatham-Kent.
According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the accused, identified as Devon and Rubon Handsor, were found guilty on July 8 of permitting distress to animals contrary to the Provincial Animal Welfare Services, or PAWS Act.
Each have been fined $1000 and banned from owning, having custody or care of, or living with animals for three years. Authorities say, however, the order does not apply to two dogs already in the custody of Rubon Handsor.
The PAWS Act came into effect January 1, 2020, making Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a full provincial animal welfare enforcement system to enhance animal safety.
As of June 2025, Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services issued more than 15,900 distress orders, laid over 2,000 charges for offences under the PAWS Act and removed over 12,900 animals from situations of distress negatively impacting their welfare.