BulletinMinistry of the Solicitor GeneralSeptember 4, 2026
Mississauga man convicted for causing animal distress; fined and given probation
A Mississauga resident was found guilty under the PAWS Act on Jan 16, 2026, receiving a $5,000 fine, $4,916.05 restitution and one year probation.
Summary
What happened
- On January 16, 2026, the Ontario Court of Justice in Mississauga found Dimitri Majdalani guilty of causing an animal to be in distress (PAWS Act, s.15(1)).
- Sentence: $5,000 fine; $4,916.05 restitution to Animal Welfare Services; one-year probation. (Total financial penalty: $9,916.05.)
Why it matters
- The conviction enforces the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act), which set up Ontario’s provincial animal welfare enforcement system on January 1, 2020.
- The release highlights ongoing enforcement: as of July 2026, Animal Welfare Services issued more than 19,600 distress orders, laid over 2,500 charges, and removed over 18,500 animals from situations harming their welfare.
What to do
- If you believe an animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
Related links
Source: Ontario Newsroom