Justice For Mea

Mea, a negleted Victorian Bulldog/Sharpei cross, today received justice in the courts.

According to the Oakville & Milton Humane Society, a ‘landmark’ decision was made in the sentencing of Mea’s owners, Natasha Janajevic and Steven Lopez.

Janajevic was found guilty of one count of causing distress to an animal with a sentence of 45 days incarceration to be served intermittently, two years probation, a ten-year ban on owning, caring for, or residing with an animal and surrender of Mea to the OMHS. Janajevic was also found guilty of one count of permitting distress to an animal with a sentence of a $5,000 fine plus court costs and victim surcharge and two years probation.

Lopez was found guilty of one count of causing distress to an animal with a sentence of 30 days incarceration to be served intermittently, two years probation, a ten-year ban on owning, caring for or residing with an animal and the surrender of Mea to the OMHS. Lopez was also found guilty of one count of permitting distress to an animal with a sentence of a $5,000 fine plus court costs and victim surcharge and two years probation. Additionally, Lopez was charged with failing to respond to an order of care and received a suspended sentence on that count.

The investigation into Lopez and Janajevic’s treatment of Mea began on January 31, 2011, when OSPCA Officer Mackasey found a severely emaciated dog tied to a string in a garage after responding to a call. The dog, named Mea, was found to be cold, lethargic and had a severely damaged eye. There was no food or water present in the unheated garage.

“It has been a long journey from January 31 to today,” said Manager of Animal Protective Services Amanda Barrett. “We are very grateful that justice was served for Mea and that her future will be much brighter than her past.”

Mea is currently at a local veterinary clinic for assessment and a plan for re-homing her will be formulated based on the results of her assessment.

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