R v Ruvinsky, 1998 ONCJ 3485

Ruvinsky, a manager of after hours clubs in Toronto, allegedly allowed his dogs to lick and sniff cocaine. A former sex worker, “Crazy Jennie” Rowden notified the police that Ruvinsky had sexual intercourse with his Doberman named Lover (digital anal penetration). The Toronto Humane Society, in conjunction with the police, seized the dogs without a warrant.

The decision included a Charter issue regarding s. 8 and the warrantless entry and seizure. The Judge found no s. 8 violation and allowed the evidence seized. The Judge also accepted the testimony of veterinarians who described how the dogs did not display any fearful behaviours which would logically flow from sexual abuse. The testimony of the eyewitnesses Rowden was not credible as she had a criminal record, and her narrative was found to be unlikely given the veterinary testimony.

Ruvinsky was found not guilty of bestiality as there was a reasonable doubt. He was also found not guilty of administering an injurious drug (cocaine) to an animal as there was no scientific evidence to support a claim that cocaine is injurious to a dog.