A farmer who left his cows and pigs to die without food and water last winter has been fined $3,500 under Manitoba’s new animal protection laws.
Paul Tougas, 29, of Giroux, Man., pleaded guilty to charges under the Animal Care Act on Aug. 19.
Along with the fine, Tougas is prohibited from owning and caring for animals for five years.
It is the first time a farmer has been charged and convicted under the new law.
Marvin McCallister, Manitoba Agriculture’s animal welfare veterinarian, noted the maximum fine for first offenders under the act is $5,000, plus a five-year prohibition from looking after animals.
“I think it (the sentence) shows us that the judicial community is prepared to get fairly tough with offenders,” said McCallister.
