A Saskatchewan man has been fined $2,500 and ordered to pay another $17,000 in restitution after being convicted on animal cruelty charges.
Michael Beausoleil of Delmas was also sentenced to three years probation in a North Battleford, Sask., court recently.
As well, he is prohibited from owning or possessing animals for five years.
Beausoleil was charged last September after his herd of 90 elk were found in distress.
Saskatchewan SPCA officers found the elk underfed and in poor condition with no grazing and only old straw bales available for food.
Beausoleil failed to comply with instructions to improve animal care.
A veterinarian ordered the removal of the animals on Oct. 1, 2009. Thirtyfive were destroyed and 55 were placed on new farms.
Beausoleil must pay $500 per month to the court, which will then distribute the restitution money to the Saskatchewan SPCA.
