Sanaee was the owner/operator of a dog daycare & boarding facility. Witnesses testified that on two occasions, they saw the Accused using cattle prods to ‘train’ dogs. The Accused also advised customers to buy cattle prods for at-home behavioural training.
The trial judge found that although expert witness testimony was helpful, they did not need the testimony to find that electric shocks with cattle prods cause unnecessary pain and suffering to dogs. The trial judge imposed a 6-month sentence, concurrent of the two charges, and a 5-year animal prohibition.
On appeal from conviction, Sanaee argued that the trial judge improperly relied on the expert testimony, and failed to properly consider the defence of ‘colour of right.’ Both grounds failed, and the appeal was dismissed.