CALGARY- Over 100 head of cattle have been seized from a southern Alberta farm—the same property where about 400 animals were taken by the SPCA just two years ago.
Concerns were raised about the welfare of cattle on the property near East Coulee, about two hours northeast of Calgary. That prompted the Alberta SPCA to take action and seize the animals this week.
“Our concerns were to do with the body condition of the cattle, so basically a lack of feed,” explained Roland Lined from the SPCA. “The cattle in all likelihood would have appeared to be underweight. It was on the recommendation of a veterinarian that they needed to be removed from the property.”
Before the animals were taken, the SPCA posted a notice at the property. On Thursday morning, SPCA workers, a vet and Drumheller RCMP used all-terrain vehicles and horses to round up the cows into a holding area.
The same property was targeted in spring of 2011, after officials got a tip that the animals lacked food, water and proper shelter. About two dozen animals were found dead or had to be euthanized.
Following that case, criminal charges were laid against John Barry Graham, a matter that is still before the court. He was also convicted in 2002, and was under a 10 year ban from owning large numbers of livestock. It’s not clear yet who would be charged in the latest case.
The SPCA will hold the newly-seized cattle for 10 working days, and give the owner an opportunity to reclaim the animals with conditions that include paying the cost of holding them, and ensuring their needs are met.
Comments