Vegreville-area farmer earns fine for starved, dead animals

A Vegreville-area farmer whose animals were seized after 17 cattle were found starved to death on his property was fined $2,000 in an Edmonton court today.

Kelly Burkart, 37, pleaded guilty in provincial court to one count under the Animal Protection Act of causing an animal to be in distress. In exchange for the guilty plea, other similar charges were withdrawn..." More

Burkart, who still has some livestock on his farm, was not banned from owning animals, however he was slapped with a 10-year prohibition order allowing Alberta SPCA inspectors to enter his property without notice to do inspections. He must also abide by any recommendations.

Crown prosecutor Moira Vane told court ASPCA inspectors had gone to Burkart's farm north of Vegreville on May 6 and May 7, 2008, and observed "emaciated" animals from the road and saw two dead cattle, a "very skinny" mule and about 40 more cattle in very poor condition.

Backes Brothers Ordered to Give Animals to Second Chance Rescue Center

48 year old Kenneth Backes and 51 year old Johnny Backes were ordered to turn ownership for 13 of 14 animals previously seized from their property to the Second Chance Rescue Center. They also pled to one count of inhumane treatment of an animal for one of the colts seized. All other charges were dismissed. 14 animals were taken in the Hanson County community of Emery after authorities received a tip that the animals were malnourished. The brothers are also not allowed to have any other livestock on their property before June 1st of 2010 and after that they're only allowed three head of livestock total..." More & video

Update on animal neglect case in Timpson

Animals still waiting to be rescued

By Donna McCollum 

TIMPSON, TX (KTRE) - The Timpson animal neglect case is an ongoing investigation. Shelby County deputies were ready to file civil seizure documents on Monday. The process was postponed until the Houston SPCA could prepare for a rescue. By Tuesday animal rescuers were restricted to the roadside. The SPCA returned to Houston. Now, the owner and her son have hired an attorney. Next week they'll meet with investigators...  More

May 11, 2009:  By Donna McCollum, KTRE

TIMPSON, TX (KTRE) - An obviously malnourished dog barely has enough energy to way his tail. His companion isn't so trusting as he slinks away barking at the stranger. The people who provided the East Texas News images of animals in need say there are about 50 dogs in the same kind of shape. As well as horses, the ones that are still alive that is. Representatives from the SPCA, Houston branch are scheduled to be in Timpson tomorrow to scout out the animals' needs..."  More

Pet-Abuse.com

May, 8, 2009: Animals found needing food, medical attention in Timpson (with video)

Animal hoarding issue needs attention

Farm and Diary News

It is estimated that at least 250,000 animals fall victim to animal hoarders each year, according to Tufts University’s Animal Hoarding Research Consortium, a group that acts to increase awareness about the disorder.

Because our legal system is not very effective in prosecuting hoarders, and many refuse mental health counseling, the best way to prevent animal suffering is for communities to play an active role in prevention...." More

Man faces 36 cruelty charges

BY BRAD ZINN/STAFF, newsleader.com

"...An Afton man who had more than three dozen sickly horses and mules seized March 10 by authorities acting on a neglect complaint was indicted Monday on 36 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty by the Waynesboro grand jury, court records show..."  More

Update:  Mar 28 Garrett gives up seized horses

“He did the right thing today and relinquished ownership,” said Debbie Caywood, director of the Augusta Regional Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “After seeing his reaction the day we were there in the field, I’m really surprised he did turn over custody today. ... I thought we were in for a battle.”...  More

Surprise Decision at Seized Horse Hearing

WVIR, NBC by Ken Slack

"...Dozens of horses and ponies seized from a Waynesboro farm will not be going back. During a court hearing Friday, their owner gave them up and the judge told him he'd never be able to own livestock again.

In the wake of a horse's death earlier this month, Waynesboro police used a search warrant to seize 41 animals from the property of 53-year-old Tory Allen Garrett. When the horses were seized from his property, Garrett argued they were in good hands but 10 days later, his attorney conceded that there was evidence of inadequate care. The attorney also told the judge the Augusta SPCA can have them...  More

Mar 27:  Horse owner gives up legal fight

Mar 25:  Pony dies after seizure from farm

Mar 22:  Saving graze

Mar 18:  34 Horses Seized 

Mar 17:  Horses seized from Waynesboro farm

Mar 14:  Horse put down, Afton man charged