Three Hills RCMP with the Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch Livestock Investigation Section has charged a Red Deer County man with cattle theft after investigation.
On Thursday, June 9, police attended a legal land location and seized cattle, after an investigation into the abandoned animals.
On the property, investigators located three horses, two bulls, three cows and two heifers.
With the assistance of Livestock Identification Services Inspectors, two animals were confirmed stolen. The identity of the stolen cattle was confirmed through registered cattle brand(s).
Donald Bezjack, 62, of Red Deer County has been charged with theft of cattle under $5,000, fraudulently take/hold/keep/purchase/sell cattle found astray, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal to $5,000 and unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon.
Bezjack was released from custody on an undertaking and will be appearing in provincial court in Drumheller on July 22.
The investigation relating to the seized items is ongoing.
The Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch Livestock Investigation Section and the Three Hills RCMP would like to thank the Red Deer County residents for their support and assistance during the investigation.
Livestock Investigators remind all livestock owners to brand cattle and horses and to report all missing and/or stolen livestock. A registered brand is the primary means of animal identification.
Three Hills RCMP remains fully committed to building safer communities by working in partnership with our communities, as well as through investigative and enforcement efforts to achieve this goal.
Anyone with information on cattle theft is urged to contact the Livestock Section of the RCMP at 403-701-1462 or their local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.