Lethbridge -A southern Alberta woman charged with cruelty to animals officially has a lawyer. 55 year old April Irving faces a total of 14 charges under the animal protections act.
In January, RCMP charged Irving with animal cruelty in the death of five dogs, who police said appeared to have died from starvation.
The Alberta Rescue Crew Society, which helped seize some of the 200 dogs, called it one of the worst cases of neglect ever.
A society spokeswoman said the dogs were emaciated, dehydrated and with badly matted fur. Some had broken bones, gaping wounds and parasites.
Her case was back in Lethbridge Provincial court Tuesday with a Lethbridge lawyer finally on the record. Mr. Khan Mansoor will represent Irving.
The Crown says he will able to discuss a possible resolution now that Irving has a lawyer. Back in January, the Milk River RCMP charged her after five dead dogs were found on her property. She also faces several charges laid by the Alberta SPCA.
The case has been adjourned to Oct 9th.