Achi news desk-
Southern Alberta RCMP have charged a 44-year-old man in connection with an investigation that saw 82 distressed animals seized from a home in Mountain View Country, north of Calgary.
On April 22, Mounties arrested a man leaving a rural property.
Officers searched the home, arresting a resident and locating:
- Six trucks stolen;
- Four utility trailers;
- Polaris ATV?
- A Raptor Keystone RV;
- Two flat deck trailers;
- Two guns;
- A bolt-action rifle;
- Two .22-caliber rifles;
- Thousands of rounds of bullets;
- Six industrial heaters; a
- A red Norco Sight VLT 12-speed mountain bike with the serial number removed.
As well as the stolen property, the police also found a number of animals in distress.
Fifty-six dogs of various breeds were seized from the property, as well as 10 sheep, nine llamas, four chickens and three geese.
The animal welfare investigation is being conducted by the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Michael McGill, of Mountain View County, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, failure to comply with a release order and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
No charges have been laid against the accused in relation to the animals as the SPCA investigation is ongoing.
However, the organization says the additional fits have added to an “extensive list” of animals in the care of the SPCA.
According to officials since March, 250 animals have been seized by the agency or surrendered to it, with the largest coming from four investigations.
“Our team, and the animal welfare community as a whole, are facing unprecedented pressure this spring,” Alberta SPCA executive director Leanne Niblock said in a news release.
“The rising cost of living, the ongoing effects of the pandemic, and climate change leading to drought and wildfires are exacerbating the already dire situation.
If anyone is keen to help the SPCA care for confiscated animals, they can do so by fostering or donating money.
Additional details can be found on the SPCA website.
