April Irving, a southern Alberta woman accused in what could be one of the largest cases of animal cruelty in Canadian history, had her case delayed again Friday.
Irving is charged with one count of cruelty to animals after over 200 neglected animals were seized from a Milk River, Alta. property in Dec. 2014.
Irving was ordered to appear in court in person Friday, her 18th scheduled court appearance on these charges, but failed to do so. Instead, she provided medical documents to show she has a broken leg, and was therefore unable to complete a psychiatric assessment ordered in November.
The defence tried to have that assessment waived Friday morning so as to move forward with a not guilty plea.
The judge refused and has ordered Irving to appear Feb. 22 before the judge who ordered the assessment.
If Irving doesn’t show up, a warrant will be issued for her arrest.
Watch below: Global’s ongoing coverage of charges against April Irving