Two Sudbury men have been charged with four counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act after failing to provide sufficient care to two horses, according to a news release.

One man owned the property where the animals involved lived and the other was the animals' primary caregiver.

Each man was charged with the following:
-Failing to comply with an Ontario SPCA order
-Permitting distress of an animal
-Failing to provide appropriate medical care
-Failing to provide for the general welfare of an animal

On Oct. 22, 2012, Ontario SPCA officers obtained a search warrant and veterinarian recommendation to remove two horses from a property due to inappropriate living conditions.

One horse, Billy, was suffering from a severe and untreated leg injury. Billy was eventually surrendered to the Ontario SPCA. The other horse was returned to the owner, as per the Ontario SPCA Act legislative process.

The Ontario SPCA is now seeking a home for Billy. Due to the severity of his leg injury, the Society is seeking an adopter who is interested in adopting a companion horse and not a riding horse.

“Billy is a sweet 18-year-old Bright Bay Standardbred Gelding with a wonderful disposition and a strong will to survive, despite the circumstances,” said Ontario SPCA Agent Tracy Lapping.

To give Billy a second chance at life, contact Lapping, Ontario SPCA, Sudbury branch at 705-566-9582.