Animal protection cases given new court date

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Published: January 30, 2020

Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan says large seizures of livestock are being avoided in recent months

Two Saskatchewan men charged under animal protection laws last year were back in court in mid-January.

Both cases were set over to later dates.

Warren Russell from Stoughton was set to appear Jan. 28 in Weyburn provincial court, while Chad Mokelky will be in Estevan provincial court on March 2.

The men were charged after hundreds of cattle were seized from their care last winter.

Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan executive director Don Ferguson said call volume during the recent cold snap was three times higher than usual.

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“We have been fortunate enough to be getting the calls from the public in a manner where we’ve been able to go out and speak with producers to improve conditions so that we have not had to seize any large amounts of livestock yet this year,” he said.

However, Ferguson said the agency has seized companion animals that didn’t have adequate shelter or protection from the cold.

“I am cautiously optimistic that we are currently in a better position this year than we were last year,” he said.

APSS responds to animal welfare complaints and suspected cruelty or abuse around the province, except in the cities of Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The agency can be reached at 844-382-0002. Complainants can be anonymous.

About the author

Karen Briere

Karen Briere

Karen Briere grew up in Canora, Sask. where her family had a grain and cattle operation. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Regina and has spent more than 30 years covering agriculture from the Western Producer’s Regina bureau.

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