The facts were not listed here in the decision, but this incident involved the killing of kittens by strangulation. The kittens had belonged to his brother and his brother’s girlfriend. The accused had been previously convicted of animal cruelty in 2010 and 2013 and this was his third offence. He has a significant criminal record including violence.
In sentencing, the judge highlighted that animal abuse crimes are abhorred by the public. The judge also emphasized higher sentences for each new count of a recurring crime and that Landry was beginning to be looked at “as the worst offender” with the facts being “pretty close to the worst” (para. 5). The trial judge made it clear if the offence was committed again, they believed the Crown would ask for a very long sentence.
The judge continued to sentence the equivalent of eight months in jail, ordering 161 days at a one-and-a-half day rate. They also ordered three years probation with terms that included keeping the peace and being of good behaviour, reporting to the court if required, reporting to the court or probation officer for any change of name, address, employment or occupation, and not to have direct contact with Landry’s brother or the brother’s girlfriend. In addition, a lifetime animal prohibition order and a weapons prohibition were also issued.
The judge also ordered counselling, and that the accused must not to enter St. Catharines except to travel through unless given the express written permission to do so from the judge or his probation officer. An order to submit a DNA sample within five days was also ordered.