Dr. Fawcett Taylor Enters Guilty Plea For Contravening Health of Animals Act

December 12, 2012, Winnipeg: On October 1, 2012 in Manitoba Provincial Court, Dr. Fawcett Taylor entered a guilty plea to one count of contravening Section 65 (1) of the Health of Animals Act.

Provincial Judge Judith Elliott accepted a sentence jointly recommended by the prosecution and Counsel and imposed a fine of $80,000. Dr. Taylor requested and was given nine (9) months to pay the fine.

Section 65 (1) of the Health of Animals Act states:

“Every person who contravenes any provision of this Act, other than section 15, or the regulations or who refuses or neglects to perform any duty imposed by or under the Act or the regulations is guilty of

(a) an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both; or

(b) an indictable offence and liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.”

A Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) investigation determined that Dr. Taylor, , had neglected to perform duties imposed upon him as an Accredited Veterinarian pursuant to an Accredited Veterinarian's Agreement with the CFIA.  The duties in question related to Dr. Taylor's inspection of 163 cattle intended for export to the United States. The cattle did not meet the importation requirement of the United States which prohibited the importation of bovines born before March 1, 1999. Dr. Taylor had certified that the animals met the US import requirements in Veterinary Health Certificates.

The CFIA enforces federal legislation including the Health of Animals Act and its Regulations. The CFIA safeguards food, animals and plants which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy, and access to international markets.

For more information, please contact

CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600