LONDON, Ont. -- A London, Ont., woman is banned for life from owning any pets after she and her partner pleaded guilty to four counts of animal cruelty.
Linda Abbott, 44, was sentenced to a lifetime prohibition from living with, owning or caring for any animals, as well as three years probation, in the case involving three dogs -- one of which died.
Her partner Ethan Clipperton, 50, received a 10-year ban and three years probation.
Court was told an investigation began in December 2013 after someone contacted the local humane society concerning the welfare of the dogs, one of them requiring immediate veterinary care.
The owners were issued an order to have the animals examined by a veterinarian but court heard they didn't follow through and one of the dogs died as a result.
The other two dogs were removed by the humane society and officials say both have since recovered and were adopted by new owners.
The London Humane Society says there's no excuse for neglecting animals and allowing them to go without adequate care.
"Over the years, the courts have demonstrated time and time again that lack of money is no excuse for neglect," said agent Chris Chew. "It's not acceptable to treat animals in this manner and there are other options available."
