Three people from Stouffville have been charged with neglect under the Ontario SPCA Act following an investigation into the treatment of horses in their care.
On May 3, 2018, an Ontario SPCA officer attended a rural property in Stouffville after receiving a concern about the welfare of a herd of horses. The officer observed 14 horses and one pony living in unsanitary conditions. A veterinarian was brought in to examine the horses, which were found to be in thin body condition, with ribs, hips and spine easily visible on many of the animals. Their hooves were also severely neglected.
Thirteen deceased horses were also located on the property in various levels of decomposition.