Latest news with #CourtneyBurns


Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Porter Airlines Brings Embraer E195-E2 to Moncton With Summer Service From Toronto Pearson
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porter Airlines is launching a new summer seasonal route between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM), with flights beginning today through September. The service operates three times weekly, using Porter's Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. This marks the first time the state-of-the-art aircraft is operating in Moncton, bringing passengers the comfort of no middle seats, complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and free, fast WiFi for everyone. The flight schedule is as follows: This new route complements Porter's existing service from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Ottawa to Moncton, further enhancing travel options between Eastern Canada and the airline's expanding network. 'We continue to see strong demand for domestic travel during the summer season, and this new route between Toronto Pearson and Moncton reflects Porter's commitment to taking travellers where they want to go,' said Andrew Pierce, vice president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines. 'Whether visiting friends and family or exploring these cities, passengers can count on our elevated economy experience and convenient flight options to make their journey more enjoyable.' For added comfort, travellers can book PorterReserve fares for all-inclusive perks such as two checked bags, extra legroom, and priority services. Alternatively, PorterClassic offers the flexibility to customize the journey with à la carte options. "As we head into a busy summer at YQM, we're thrilled to offer even more travel options with our partner, Porter Airlines, through this new connection to Toronto Pearson. The service is operated with Porter's Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, marking its first appearance in Moncton, and opens up greater access across Canada and to international destinations," said Courtney Burns, President and CEO of the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority. Flights are available for booking at or through travel agents. About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Judge awards roosters to SPCA of Texas after owners are no-shows in court
The owners of 65 roosters accused of mistreating the birds were no-shows at a civil custody hearing held on Wednesday at the Hunt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2 courthouse in Greenville. Judge Sheila D. Linden moved forward with the hearing, ruling that custody of the roosters be granted to the SPCA of Texas. Additionally, the owners were ordered to pay $3,580.00 in restitution. The roosters will remain with the SPCA for 10 days to allow time for any potential appeal from their original owners, as per the law. On March 30, the SPCA of Texas and the Hunt County Sheriff's Office seized 65 live roosters and 10 dead ones from a property near Celeste where a cockfight was underway. The live birds were transported to the SPCA's Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center in Dallas where they are receiving care from medical staff. The HCSO had responded to a report of potential rooster fighting at a residence located in the 600 block of Hunt County Road 1006. Upon arrival, deputies found about 100 people at the scene – many of whom fled. After obtaining a search warrant, authorities discovered fighting rings and other cockfighting equipment typically used in such operations. An order of seizure was granted to take possession of the roosters. Twenty-one people were arrested and taken to the Hunt County jail, facing charges under Texas Penal Code 42.105 for engaging in cockfighting. The HCSO says the investigation is ongoing and deputies are continuing to look into additional charges. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the HCSO at (903) 453-6800. The roosters were found in individual pens and transport boxes scattered throughout the property while others were discovered in vehicles. Authorities also recovered paraphernalia, such as short knives and gaffs, syringes, scales, a training dummy, first aid supplies, antibiotics and various performance-enhancing substances. A bloodstained indoor arena with a makeshift fighting ring and holding pens was also uncovered, along with a concession stand and a merchandise table. Several roosters were in critical condition – appearing lethargic and severely injured – with multiple open wounds. Ten were already dead and after veterinary assessment, 12 others were euthanized at the SPCA facility. 'Although cockfighting has been illegal in Texas for decades, it continues to persist in both rural and urban areas,' said Courtney Burns, chief investigator for the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit. 'This brutal blood sport not only inflicts fatal harm on the animals but also fuels other illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.' Cockfighting is a criminal offense in all 50 states – including Texas where it is classified as a felony to engage in bird fighting or to use property for cockfighting activities. Those convicted face up to two years in state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. In Texas, it is also a Class A misdemeanor to possess, manufacture or sell cockfighting paraphernalia or to own or train a rooster for the purpose of fighting. Attending a cockfight is a Class C misdemeanor, while federal law bans the transport of fighting animals across state lines or internationally.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
SPCA of Texas rescues abandoned dogs in freezing temperatures, woman arrested
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — Two abandoned dogs were rescued in freezing conditions at a Van Zandt County house on Jan. 20 after their owner was evicted and is now facing charges of animal cruelty. Houston County PD investigating after 14 stolen cattle found, 8 dead, in abandoned trailer 'An Investigator with the SPCA of Texas' Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit responded to the property and discovered two adult dogs on a couch that was sitting outside by the curb,' the SPCA of Texas said. 'At the time, in this area, it was 23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills in the teens and the dogs were shivering due to the extreme cold without any protection from the elements.' Officials determined that both dogs needed urgent care due to the freezing temperatures and visible medical issues they were suffering. The investigator took custody of the dogs and transported them to their Dallas facility where they obtained immediate veterinary care. 'One of the dogs, an adult Rottweiler, had an untreated ruptured eyeball that was oozing, infected and painful,' the SPCA of Texas said. 'The other dog was covered in tumor-like masses. Both dogs were infested with fleas, causing raw and itchy skin and they both had advanced stages of dental disease.' The dogs received treatment for pain control and will be monitored closely during their recovery process. CAUGHT ON CAMERA: East Texas man arrested for dumping cat at Trinity gas station 'Both dogs have a long road to recovery ahead of them, but they are in good spirits, and we are looking forward to the day that they are able to find an adopter to give them the love and care that they deserve.' On Jan. 21, investigators located the owner, Kathleen Marie Curtis, and obtained warrants for her arrest. She was charged with animal cruelty and abandonment and neglect, her bond was set at $20,000. The ACI unit responds to thousands of animal cruelty cases each year in Texas rescuing animals like the two dogs in Van Zandt county. Chief Investigator of the SPCA Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit Courtney Burns said cases like these are heartbreaking and people need to be held accountable. To support the SPCA of Texas' efforts to rescue and find homes for animals from cases of cruelty and neglect people can visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.