LETHBRIDGE — April Irving has still not entered a plea in what could be one of the largest cases of animal cruelty in Canadian history. Instead, her lawyer made an application to the court for a psychiatric assessment.
Irving will under go an assessment at the Alberta Psychiatry Centre where her mental well-being at the time of the alleged incidents will be under review to determine if she can be held criminally responsible for her actions.
Irving was present in court Friday, she had her head covered with a scarf to shield her identity. She was also carrying a poster she made with photos of the dogs that were seized on her property.
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Irving was charged earlier this year, after roughly 200 dogs were seized from a property near Milk River, along with five more that were found dead during a second visit from authorities. The dogs were discovered starving, dehydrated and chained to fences.
READ MORE: April Irving has appeal thrown out
Irving’s case has been before the courts at least 15 times, largely do to not having a lawyer. She has been told she needs to move this case forward several times by the residing judge.
She now has a lawyer and her next appearance after the assessment will be Dec. 18.
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