On Thursday, January 16, the Drumheller RCMP assisted Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in seizing what appeared to be more than 100 cattle from a property east of Drumheller, commonly known to be owned by the Graham family.
According to Roland Lines, communications manager for the ASPCA, there were concerns about animal welfare and a notice was posted at the property for 24 hours previous, informing the owner they would be attending.
“Our officers did attend a property in Drumheller, the RCMP accompanied us,” said Lines. “It does relate to cattle… there were welfare concerns and we gave them 24 hours to address them.”
ASPCA officers, as well as a veterinarian and Drumheller RCMP attended to the property Thursday morning. They used all-terrain vehicles and horses to round up the cattle into a holding area. There were also unconfirmed reports of some deceased animals.
“Our officer makes the decision in the field, and always considers what is in the best interest of the animals’ welfare,” said Lines.
Byron Graham, who said the court has ordered him to take care of the animals, which belonged to his late parents, arrived on site at about 2 p.m. with a truckload of hay. At this point, he declined to comment on the situation.
Late Thursday afternoon, the animals were loaded on to waiting cattle liners.
In the spring of 2011, about 136 horses and 200 cattle were seized from the same property, and charges were laid. These matters are still before the court.
