LETHBRIDGE – An Alberta woman lost her appeal of a court order banning her from owning any animals on Wednesday.
April Irving, 55, was hoping to hear some of her release conditions would be removed. She faces several charges of animal cruelty after five dogs were found dead on a property near Milk River at the end of January.
Instead of relaxing the conditions, the judge added some. In addition to not being allowed to possess any animals on her property, an RCMP peace officer will regularly visit her residence during the day to ensure she’s complying with the order.
Irving was told she must chase away any animals that might make their way onto her property to avoid breaching her release. She is also prohibited from possessing any firearms, and must surrender any she has on her property within the next 15 days.
Irving is facing charges from both the RCMP and the SPCA. She is set to return to court on April 13 for both cases.
With a file from The Canadian Press