A Fernie man will no face jail time for a disturbing animal abuse case.
Frederick Hoath, 57, is sentenced to a fine of one thousand dollars for each of five counts of animal cruelty. He also received two years probation and 100 hours of community service. Hoath must pay close to 750 dollars for the cost of the rescue. He is allowed to keep his own dog but is banned from owning any new pets for a period of two years.
Five puppies were dumped in a roadside outhouse and left to die in the Crowsnest Pass in January 2008.
The animals were discovered, rescued, and eventually tracked to litter of puppies owned by a Crowsnest Pass woman.
Samantha Rieberger, 42, is also charged with animal cruelty. She will stand trial in February.
In passing down his sentence, the Pincher Creek judge called Hoath a good person who did a cruel thing. At his trial, witnesses testified that Hoath was a helpful and caring neighbour who organized a community toy drive.
Animals rights groups say they are disappointed with the sentence.
The maximum sentence on cruelty to animal charges is a fine up to five thousand dollars, six months in jail, or both.
