Newsroom > Prosecution Bulletins 

Ontario Man Fined $2000 for an Offence Under the Health of Animals Act

Ronald S. Way of Belle Valle, Ontario, pleaded guilty in a provincial court in Bradford, Ontario on December 8, 2005, to an offence. He had removed three sheep from a farm that did not bear approved tags, contrary to section 176 of the Health of Animals Regulations. He was fined $2000.

The provisions of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s National Sheep Identification Program became mandatory in Canada on January 1, 2004, through an amendment to the Health of Animals Regulations. The goal of the program is to prevent and control the spread of disease and to provide safe food for consumers. It was designed in part by the Canadian Sheep Federation to increase Canada’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks and to increase consumer confidence. Although the national flock currently enjoys a highly rated health status, a disease outbreak or food safety challenge may occur at any time.

In February 2005, an inspector employed by the CFIA found the three sheep at Ontario Stockyards Inc., in Cookstown, Ontario. It was subsequently determined that Mr. Way had transported these sheep to the stockyards from a farm, even though they did not bear approved tags.

The CFIA is responsible for enforcing a number of Acts of Parliament in order to deliver inspection and related services that contribute to improving the overall integrity of the food safety, plant protection and animal health systems.

- 30 -

For more information, media may contact: