Saskatchewan cattle seizure results in over $20K in fines

The seizure of more than 100 cattle from a family-run operation in northeast Saskatchewan has resulted in fines totalling $21,000.

Maureen Black, 75, was sentenced Wednesday in Nipawin Provincial Court after entering a guilty plea under Sect. 4 of the Animal Protection Act. That relates to an individual causing an animal to be in distress.

Black received a $15,000 fine, but must also pay $6,000 in surcharges. She also is facing a lifetime prohibition with respect to owning, possessing or having custody or control of cattle.

On April 2, 2020, a total of 107 cattle at the farm near Love were taken into protective custody. The charges were laid seven months later.

Don Ferguson, the executive director of the Animal Protection Service of Saskatchewan (APSS), said many of the cattle were showing signs of malnourishment due to insufficient or quality of feed.

“We also found 25 to 30 dead cattle on the property,” he said.

While the investigation is handled by the APSS, the ultimate decision to lay charges falls under RCMP jurisdiction and comes only after extensive forensic veterinary work. Ferguson said he was happy with the result.

“The maximum penalty under the Animal Protection Act is $25,000 so we are very close to the maximum penalty in this case,” he said.

Donald Black and Connie Black-Sturby were also initially charged but their charges were stayed at a separate hearing in June of 2020. A number of reasons may play into the Crown’s decision to stay charges, including the perceived likelihood of a conviction.

The village of Love is located roughly 120 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert.

Nigel Maxwell, paNOW