Sentencing after guilty plea.
A house fire revealed the accused had dozens of dogs (88), cats and other animals. She was hoarding them. Many died in the fire. The conditions were horrible. The conditions of the house were described as very filthy, unkept and unsanitary, with a strong smell of decay. Many dogs were filthy, and many were in dirty cages. A veterinarian said that the animals’ condition was due to a long term of varying degrees of chronic and extreme neglect. Many dogs were very thin and malnourished. Racicot’s father testified that his daughter always loved animals, but that about two to three years earlier, she became frightened and neurotic and was afraid to call the Humane Society. He said that the situation got out of hand, but that she did her best, and the neglect was not purposeful. Since the fire, Racicot had sought medical assistance for extreme stress and anxiety. She was 27 years old, and on medication. She quit school in grade 10 and helped with the care of her mother and grandmother. She had very little contact with other people. She had no criminal record and no addictions. She was on social assistance.
Held: Racicot was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment to be followed by three years of probation. She was ordered to perform 250 hours of community service work and pay $10,000 to the Humane Society. She was prohibited from having custody or control of an animal for five years. General deterrence and denunciation were considered. Racicot was not a worst offender.