Sask. cattle owners charged in relation to animal cruelty case

Nearly a year and a half after more than 100 cattle were seized from a farm in northeast Saskatchewan, the case is making its way to court.

The three owners — Donald Black, Connie Black-Sturby and Maureen Black — will face a judge on Sept. 15 in Nipawin. They have all been charged under Section 4 of the Animal Protection Act, which relates to an individual causing an animal to be in distress.

Maureen Black also faces two additional charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, alleging she allowed an animal to be caused unnecessary pain, or suffering; but also that she neglected to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care.

On April 2, 2020, a total of 107 cattle at a farm near Love were taken into protective custody. The charges were laid seven months later. While the investigation is handled by the Animal Protection Service of Saskatchewan (APSS), the ultimate decision to lay charges falls under RCMP jurisdiction.

Don Ferguson, the executive director of APSS, explained to ensure that people are charged under the appropriate section of the Animal Protection Act and the Criminal Code, sufficient evidence is required and that includes detailed forensic veterinary work.

“We are at the mercy of how long those tests take,” he said. “In most of our cases, it’s anywhere from six to nine months.”

If the owners are found guilty, possible penalties include a $25,000 fine, imprisonment for up to two years, and a restriction on owning animals for a specified period of time.

Love is located roughly 120 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert.

Nigel Maxwell, paNOW