An Alberta rancher is facing multiple charges of fraud and cattle theft.
Howard Schneider of Ardrossan, owner of Northline Angus, was charged after a two-year RCMP investigation.
The charges arose following an investigation after a rancher who was boarding cattle at the Schneider property was concerned his cows were not there, according to a news release from Strathcona County RCMP.
RCMP say the original complaint involved 138 purebred Angus cattle, which are alleged to have been sold without permission of the owners. Eighty-four head of cattle remain unaccounted for and the investigation is continuing.
Schneider is facing 14 counts of alleged fraud and theft under the criminal code and one charge under the Livestock Identification and Brand Inspection Act for transporting livestock out of Alberta without inspection.
He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in provincial court March 21.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741 or call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
