Mike Maurice Enters Guilty Plea For Humane Transport Violations

Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 8, 2011: On July 27, 2011, in Manitoba Provincial Court, Mr. Mike Maurice pled guilty to one count of violating Section 143 (1)(d) of the Health of Animals Regulations.

The Honourable Judge Sandhu accepted a jointly recommended sentence of a $5,000 fine which was payable within 30 days.

Section 143 (1) of the Health of Animals Regulations states:

No person shall transport or cause to be transported any animal in a railway car, motor vehicle, aircraft, vessel, crate or container if injury or undue suffering is likely to be caused to the animal by reason of:

(d) undue exposure to the weather.

A Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) investigation determined that Mr. Maurice had transported hogs in a motor vehicle which caused injury or undue suffering to the animals by reason of undue exposure to hot weather.

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.

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