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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains graphic content of animal cruelty which may shock, offend or upset.
In this episode, Mike discusses the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal decision R. v. Picco, 2023 NSCA 33, an animal cruelty case involving the treatment of four beagles. When authorities found the dogs, they were in “deplorable condition”, “emaciated”, “starving” and “near death”. You can see one of the dogs for yourself. Despite their condition, the trial judge found the dogs were not “suffering”, an essential actus reus element of a crime their owner was charged with. Did the trial judge’s ruling hold up on appeal? Or was the judge way off the mark? Listen to discover the answer to these and other questions.
s. 445.1(1)(a) Criminal Code — Causing unnecessary suffering
Every one commits an offence who (a) wilfully causes or, being the owner, wilfully permits to be caused unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal or a bird.
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