The Alberta SPCA found 69 dead cattle and 175 cattle in poor condition April 11 when it searched a farm east of Edmonton.
Morris Airey, director of enforcement for the animal protection agency, said officials launched the investigation after receiving a complaint.
SPCA staff removed 145 cattle from the Sherwood Park farm, but were unable to catch the other 30. Feed was brought in for those animals.
“We felt those were the most healthy,” he said.
Jim Jenkins of Sherwood Park has been charged under the animal protection act for allowing animals to be in distress.
The maximum fine is $20,000. There is also a possibility that Jenkins will not be allowed to own animals in the future.
Airey said Jenkins felt he had been feeding the animals adequately. However, Airey said he disagreed, based on the number of dead cattle and body condition of the surviving animals.
Jenkins is scheduled to appear in Sherwood Park court June 20.
