It was almost two years ago that Dolores LaPlante had 100 cats seized from her 400 square foot home in Elrose. In a Rosetown court this week, she was found guilty of causing animals to be in distress. In January of 2019, Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan removed 106 cats, two dogs and a turtle. LaPlante was the founder of the Saskatchewan Alley Cats Association.

Chief Judge Shannon Metivier said in her written decision the Crown called several witnesses who provided consistent evidence of overcrowding, excessive filth and clutter, lack of sanitation, and poor air quality that resulted in a strong odour of ammonia. Judge Metivier says having a big heart is not a defence under the Animal Protection Act. The Crown asked for a $5,000 fine and a lifetime ban from having animals. She was fined $400 and prohibited for life from having more than 2 dogs and three cats.

Back in 2011, over 70 animals were seized from LaPlante’s home. She pleaded guilty to causing animals to be in distress in 2014 and was charged $250.

Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan says animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility. The APSS stated on social media, that the recent court decision is a cautionary tale of unethical animal rescue practices and the current cat overpopulation issue in the province. The suggestion from APSS is for municipalities and RMs to establish and enforcce companion animal licensing for both cats and dogs with significantly higher fees for unsterilized versus sterilized animals, and to develop accessible spay/neuter solutions.