FORT MCMURRAY — Wood Buffalo RCMP have charged a 51-year-old Fort McMurray woman following an investigation into the removal of 97 dogs from a Gregoire residence earlier this year.
Police say the woman was arrested Oct. 27 and charged with causing damage or injury to an animal and causing or permitting unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal.
She was released from police custody on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Nov. 19.
The charges stem from an animal welfare investigation that began Aug. 25, when Wood Buffalo RCMP assisted RMWB Bylaw Services Animal Control with a welfare check at a home in the Gregoire neighbourhood.
A search warrant was executed at the residence, where police say numerous dogs were found in varying states of distress and without adequate veterinary care or humane living conditions.
A total of 97 dogs were removed from the home.
At the time, Bylaw Services described the operation as one of the largest dog rescues it had ever conducted.
All 97 dogs were placed in the care of the Fort McMurray SPCA.
Bylaw Services manager Aaron Anderson said following the rescue the animals were safe and receiving care, while SPCA executive director Melanie Schneider said each dog would require veterinary examinations, vaccinations and spaying or neutering before becoming available for adoption.
The process was expected to take weeks and, in some cases, months.
These allegations have not been proven in court.
Comments