An Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cattle seizure in January 2014 has led to (Robin) Byron Graham facing two charges under the Animal Protection Act. Graham returns to court in September.
(Robin) Byron Graham appeared in Drumheller court Friday, August 15, facing charges under the Animal Protection Act.
Graham appeared without a lawyer, and the matter was put over to September 26, to give Graham time to review the Crown’s evidence against him and allow him a chance to speak with legal representation.
Graham faces charges of causing an animal to be in distress and failure to provide proper care to an animal under Alberta’s Animal Protection Act.
If found guilty, Graham faces a maximum fine of $20,000 and the possibility of a court order prohibiting ownership and care of animals for a specified period of time.
“From our point of view, financial penalties against a person are less important than limiting their ability to care for animals,” Roland Lines, Communications Manager for Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told The Mail.
“If we don’t think they’re a person that will provide proper care, then limiting their access to animals is what we’re more interested in as an agency.”
Lines said the Alberta SPCA laid charges against Graham June 5, 2014.
The charges stem from an Alberta SPCA cattle seizure on Graham family property in January this year. Over 100 cattle were removed by the animal protection agency.
The cattle were later returned to the Graham property .
In the spring of 2011, an RCMP investigation led to Livestock Identification Services and the Alberta SPCA seizure of cattle and horses from Graham property.
At that time, more than 200 cattle and 148 horses were removed.
Lines said when the cattle were returned in 2011, Byron was identified as the person responsible for the cattle, which is why he is facing these charges.
The original charges in 2011 were laid by RCMP.
