Norfolk woman charged with animal cruelty after authorities seize 39 animals on property

A loose horse prompted a call to Norfolk County OPP on Sunday that end up with a 63-year-old woman facing animal cruelty charges.

A passerby driving down Norfolk County Road 19 East spotted the horse in a ditch and called police after being unable to find the animal's owner.

According to Norfolk OPP, officers responding to call found dozens of animals inside the house, prompting a call to the Ministry of the Solicitor General's office.

Staff from the ministry's animal welfare services found and seized 27 dogs, five cats, a pig and a guinea pig from the home.

With the help of volunteers and Norfolk firefighters, ministry investigators also removed three horses and two donkeys found on the property.

The accused is charged with cruelty to animals - unnecessary pain, suffering or injury." A court date is pending.

The investigation is ongoing. The OPP referred further questions to the ministry.

More to come ...

J.P. Antonacci's reporting on Haldimand and Norfolk is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. jpantonacci@thespec.com