Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

04/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2026 13:20

Ontario Court Convicts Individual of Animal Welfare Offences

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An individual has been convicted of offences under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act).

On March 2, 2026, in the Ontario Court of Justice in London, Paul Vlasman was found guilty of:

  • Failing to comply with prescribed standards of care contrary to section 13(1)
  • Permitting an animal to be in distress contrary to section 15(2)

Vlasman was fined $1,500 and is prohibited from owning, having custody or care of any animal for three years. The court also ordered the immediate surrender of any animals in their care.

Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario. If you think any animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).

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Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care published this content on April 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 15, 2026 at 19:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]