On January 24, 2014, Lincoln County Humane Society officers responded to a complaint of two rabbits in a hutch without proper shelter. An Ontario SPCA inspector attended and determined that the rabbits were in distress. The rabbits were then examined by a Registered Vet Technician who found both rabbits to be in poor overall health, and one of the rabbits to additionally have teeth in poor condition. In the pen next to the rabbits, there were three chickens whose health was determined to be acceptable.
On January 27, 2014, Burgio surrendered the animals. On February 7, Burgio was charged with four counts under the Ontario SPCA Act. Burgio pleaded guilty to all counts and was given a fine and prohibition order.