Cross-posted from Victoria Times-Colonist
Apr. 24, 2011 — Police said Saturday that charges are pending against a rancher after hundreds of cattle and horses were seized Thursday from a ranch near Drumheller, Alta.
Police and the Alberta SPCA said many of the 140 horses and 200 cattle were malnourished, aggressive and seriously ill.
Cpl. David Heaslip, an RCMP livestock investigator, said police are still investigating.
Charges will likely be laid against ranch owner John Barry Graham, he added.
At least six horses had to be abandoned by the Alberta SPCA as they were just too feral to corral.
In the meantime, the captured animals are receiving veterinary treatment close to the ranch, said Terra Johnston, executive director of the Alberta SPCA.
Graham has a week left to claim ownership of the seized animals before they’re sent to market. If he comes forward, he’ll have to pay all veterinary costs. (emphasis added)
Contact Information:
The Alberta SPCA
10806 124 Street
Edmonton AB T5M OH3 Canada
Email: info@albertaspca.org
Phone: 780-447-3600
Fax: 780-447-4748
Letter to the editor from Monday’s Calgary Herald:
Re: “RCMP seize starving animals,” April 22.
“Almost every spring after a hard winter, there is a similar story to this: horses and cows found starved to death with the rest found to be in terrible shape.
“We need tougher laws. This rancher was already charged for the same thing in 2002, yet he amassed hundreds of more animals and once again neglected them. There has to be followup.
“Kudos to his neighbours for taking action.
“Saying that he ‘really cared for his animals’ is contradicted by the pictures of obviously uncared for and neglected livestock.”
So this abuser obviously got off in 2002. Horses need to be designated “companion animals” in both the U.S. and Canada, or at least be given a subsection under “Livestock”, with more stringent welfare requirements. That way the ranchers could still get their subsidies, but there might be more chance the horses would get better treatment. Operative word = “might”. “Protection” depends upon officials’ willingness to investigate and proceed with meaningful prosecution, and judges who are willing to convict.