An investigation is underway after 41 cattle died at the Old Man on His Back ranch near Claydon, Sask.
Frances Wach, executive director of the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the investigation was launched after a complaint was filed.
The cattle, owned by two producers, were being grazed on land owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Larry Gabruch, the conservancy’s director of stewardship for Saskatchewan, said 39 animals were found dead July 14. Two more were ill and have since died.
He said veterinary reports pinpoint the cause as death by electrocution around July 11-12. Weather reports indicate there were lightning strikes in the area at that time.
“It was an unfortunate act of nature,” Gabruch said. “It’s a big loss to patrons and distressing to all involved.”
The conservancy also manages a herd of bison at the site.
