A woman who took care of dozens of sledding dogs at a Huntsville kennel has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty.
Shani Ride pleaded guilty last month to permitting distress and was sentenced by a justice of the peace to a five-year probation on owning or caring for dogs.
However, Ride will be allowed to own a single dog that must be examined by a veterinarian every three months. The Ontario SPCA will be allowed to make surprise visit to her property.
She will also face a $1,500 fine.
In June, OSPCA officers found 42 Alaskan Husky and Malamute-type sled dogs suffering from a number of wounds, some that were open and others that were infected.
Other dogs reportedly had swollen legs and infected teeth.
The dogs were found at a kennel on Deerhurst Resort property that was run independently by Ride. The resort confirmed at the time that they had a contract with Ride to provide dog sledding tours.
Following the investigation by the OSPCA, Deerhurst decided to end their dog-sledding program.
“Going forward, Deerhurst Resort will no longer provide or promote dog-sledding as an activity for resort guests,” a memo from the resort reads.
Instead, the resort says they will focus on other outdoor activities.