WATCH ABOVE: Global News’ Shannon Greer reports on April Irving’s first court appearance
The woman at the centre of one of the largest cases of animal abuse in Alberta history made her first court appearance Wednesday.
April Irving was in Lethbridge court facing one charge of animal cruelty. The charge stems from the discovery of five dead dogs on property near Milk River in January.
In late December and early January, officers moved in on the rural property and seized more than 200 sick and starving dogs.
Irving appeared agitated during the brief appearance Wednesday morning; she was wearing dark sunglasses and a scarf over her head. After the hearing was over, Irving refused to leave the courthouse for several hours, saying she feared for her safety with animal activists picketing outside. As she left the courthouse, covering her face with a pink scarf, Irving told Global News:
“Today is no-bullying day, anti-bullying day. Look at the activists that are out there giving me death threats. People, put your care and love towards the people of the world that really need it. Look at the international news, the women that are getting raped and robbed and beaten. So people, put your care to things that matter.”
The half-dozen picketers, with Animal Rights of Lethbridge, say they want to see harsher penalties for those convicted of animal abuse.
Irving’s case was adjourned until March 2.