LA COREY – An investigation into the death and alleged neglect of horses at a rural property between La Corey and Iron River by a peace officer who works with the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has resulted in charges being laid against Jamie Ann Palmer.
The Alberta SPCA was tipped off that horses in the MD of Bonnyville were likely in distress on Feb. 15, after a complaint was made from a member of the public.
RELATED STORY: Five horses rescued, 10 others found deceased on property near La Corey
On Feb. 23, between four and five horses were removed from the rural property, while the remains of at least 10 other horses were discovered following the execution of a search warrant, which was obtained by a peace officer trained in applying Alberta’s Animal Protection Act.
When the search warrant was being executed by peace officers, roughly four to five horses that were “in concerning health” were removed from the property, according to comments provided to Lakeland Today by Dan Kobe, the communications manager for Alberta SPCA.
Evidence was also collected by the officer to determine the condition of the animals when they died.
Following forensic examination of the samples collected, charges have been laid by the investigating Alberta SPCA peace officer.
Palmer has been charged with causing animals to be in distress, failure to provide adequate food or water, and failure to provide adequate care when an animal is wounded or ill. All three charges fall under the Alberta Animal Protection Act.
Her first court appearance has been set for April 26 at the Bonnyville Provincial Court.
