BROCKVILLE — Carl A. Purdy was convicted of one violation under the Nutrient Management Act (NMA) on July 5, 2023 in a Brockville courtroom. Purdy was fined $2,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $500, and given six months to pay.
Purdy was also issued an order under Section 50 of the NMA which prohibits him from owning farm animals as part of a farm operation for one year and requires him to maintain a current mailing address with the ministry.
The conviction is for failing to dispose of dead farm animals, (cattle), within 48 hours after death. The offence occurred the period beginning on or about September 1, 2017 and ending on or about April 4, 2018.
Background:
Beginning on September 1, 2017, Carl A. Purdy was renting a dwelling and property in the Township of North Grenville. At the time, the property was listed for sale and was being shown to potential buyers. Between September 2017 and March 2018, Mr. Purdy acquired 35-40 healthy mature cows and calves and was housing them on the site.
In March 2018, complaints were received from several real estate agents who were attempting to show the property indicating that the cattle appeared to be in a poor state of health. A report was subsequently registered with The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
In April 2018, Mr. Purdy failed to pay his lease payments and was evicted. Upon owner inspection of the property, a total of 15 deceased and decayed cattle were discovered. Additionally, a significant number of deceased cattle were found co-mingled within the hay which the living cattle and calves were eating.
After examining the living cattle on the property, a veterinarian identified evidence of previous neglect. The veterinarian also observed that many of the deceased cattle had been dead for more than 48 hours and had not been properly disposed of in accordance with the NMA and its regulations.
The ministry’s Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch investigated and laid one charge which resulted in one conviction.
Source : Farmersforum