A Markdale woman, who was convicted under the Ontario Society for the prevention of Cruelty of Animals (OSPCA) act for inadequately caring for horses on her farm was sentenced on Monday.
Lynda Smith arrived at the provincial offences court in Owen Sound on Monday to be sentenced after she was found guilty of four charges under the OSPCA act in June.
The charges were laid against Smith after three horse rescue activists raised concerns about conditions on her Markdale farm in March of 2013.
At the time, Smith was already under OSPCA orders to improve conditions for the dozens of horses in her care. In April, the OSPCA charged Smith with several offenses, including causing horses in her care to be in distress and failing to provide adequate food, water and care.
Smith represented herself during a nine day trial.
At the sentencing, the court took into consideration that Smith had no previous convictions and set the fine at $500 for each of the four charges. Under a court order, Smith will also be limited to owning or boarding a maximum of 12 horses for the next 10 years.
During that time, Smith will be subject to OSPCA inspections with 24 hours notice, as well as visits by a veterinarian every six months. The OSPCA will be notified within 24 hours of an emergency vet call or a horse death.
Smith declined comment leaving the court house on Monday, but told the court she currently has 12 horses at her farm and that they have no problems caring for them.
A spokesperson from the OSPCA says it, "respects the judicial decision and will comply with their role in the sentencing."
Smith also told the court that she plans to sell her farm in Markdale and downsize her operation, while she continues to focus on breeding and showing horses.
