Charges have been laid against an East Coulee farmer following an investigation into animal cruelty in late April, Drumheller RCMP said Wednesday.
Graham’s first court date has been set for June 17 in Drumheller Provincial Court.
Some of the animals which were seized have been moved to a rural location near Brooks, Alberta as this is a better location for their health, RCMP said. A few of the animals remain at a livestock handling facility at Brooks, Alberta as the rural location would not be suitable for their transfer. All of the animals remain under the care of a certified veterinarian. The final disposition of these animals will be decided by the court.
Graham had expressed interest in reclaiming the animals but they remain in the care of the Alberta SPCA.
Alberta SPCA members began rounding up the livestock on April 18 following a complaint over one of Graham’s animals running astray of the property. ASPCA members notice 340 livestock, including horse and cattle, dehydrated and in a malnourished state. About 12 cows and horses were found deceased and RCMP say “three or four” horses had to be euthanized because they were unable to be transported.
They collected the animals and sent them to Bow Slope Auction Mart near Brooks to be assessed and treated by a veterinarian.
The investigation is conducted jointly by the RCMP as well as the Alberta SPCA.
