During a meeting with Alberta SPCA members last Wednesday, the family of John Barry Graham indicated they would make an application to get the approximately 340 horses and cattle back, after they were found malnourished and dehydrated on his property two weeks ago.
“We’re still contemplating charges, but with this recent development we’ll have to wait for a bit,” said Rick Wheatley, Southern Alberta Supervisor for the ASPCA. “Things are kind of up in the air right now.”
The Graham family will appear before a Calgary judge in provincial court to make a case for the animals’ return to their care.
A judge will decide whether there will be a hearing into the custody of the animals.
“That’s everybody’s right, and we work within the confines of the law. Things are at a stand still right now,” said Wheatley.
He said the animals have appeared to be recovering fine at Bow Slopes Auction Mart in Brooks. “They’ll continue to be fed and looked after until we hear from the court.”
Approximately 12 cows and horses were found deceased and three or four had to be euthanized at a farm property south of East Coulee, after citizen complaints led Alberta SPCA to find 140 horses and 200 head of cattle all in poor condition.
