Barker was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. She allowed her 4 month old pit bull puppy, Barrett, to become so malnourished due to illness, that he passed away. Although Barker did take Barrett to the vet after SPCA intervention, it had become too late at that point. Necropsy results found Barrett to be severely emaciated, he tested positive for Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper Virus, and pneumonia.
Mitigating factors in this case are that Barker enrolled herself in counselling prior to trial, is First Nations and had the community support of the Ucluelet First Nation band. As such, Gladue factors were considered. Barker also showed remorse for her actions and insight into her offending behaviour.