A Calgary woman was slapped with a fine and 10 year prohibition from owning animals after she was found guilty of exploitation in an online scam.

Humane Society investigators laid charges in 2011 in relation to a case of animal neglect they say was motivated by profit.

The investigation was initiated after a dog named S’mores was brought to Calgary Humane Society.

Investigators say a woman used online aliases to obtain free animals on Kijiji and then sold them for a profit, neglecting their basic needs while in her care.

The execution of a production order revealed that Ashley Onen was the woman behind the false aliases and four more small dogs were seized during a search warrant.

Investigators say the dogs were in various states of neglect when they were found.

“This was a unique case in that the offense was motivated by profit.” Says Brad Nichols, Manager, Cruelty Investigations, “This type of exploitive behavior is concerning and deserving of a significant penalty.  “This case really brought the issue of internet animal sourcing to the forefront. It is important that you do not advertise a pet as free to a good home to avoid these situations. On the other hand, purchasers need to be mindful of the anonymity of the internet and look for red flags upon purchase. In this case ONEN provided false identities, ages and medical histories to the purchasers.”

Onen was handed a $7000 fine and prohibited from owning animals with the exception of the pets currently in her care.

Nichols says it is the largest fine they have obtained on conviction and says the ban will put an end to Onen’s unethical revenue stream.