A man with a previous order in place that prohibited him from having animals has been arrested in connection with a multi-police force animal cruelty investigation underway in southwest Calgary, sources told Global News on Tuesday night.
The investigation also involves firearms and possible stolen property, according to sources.
Sources confirmed the investigation is a joint operation involving the Calgary Police Service (CPS), the Calgary Humane Society and the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service and that a warrant was executed on Tuesday as a result of information shared between the three agencies.
Sources told Global News that animals believed to be in distress were located at the property — including dogs and llamas — as well as guns. Sources said some animals were seized but didn’t say what kind or how many.
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Sources told Global News that animals believed to be in distress were located at the property — including dogs and llamas — as well as guns. Sources said some animals were seized but didn’t say what kind or how many.
Global News has confirmed the suspect pleaded guilty to two counts of causing an animal distress in February 2017–in one case involving a female quarter horse named “Strawberry” and in the second case involving ducks.
At the time, the 56-year-old was given a 10-year prohibition from owning animals. The ban under the Animal Protection Act includes having custody or control of, or living with and boarding of animals.
Police are investigating if property — including vehicles — found at the rural site was stolen.
Sources said the RCMP, the Calgary Fire Department and other emergency crews also assisted in the case.
The Calgary Humane Society would only confirm an “ongoing animal cruelty investigation” is underway at the property.
Calgary police said extra resources were called in to ensure officer safety, but added there is no risk to public safety.
EMS said it was called to the scene to support the CPS and said no patients were taken to hospital.
CPS said officers would remain at the scene through the night and sources told Global News officers will likely be at the farm for several days as the investigation continues.