Seized animals ordered back to Drumheller area ranch
Posted Jun 11, 2011 10:42 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A judge has ordered the return of about 350 cattle and horses to a Drumheller area ranch where the animals were seized about a month ago by the SPCA.
But according to the Calgary Herald, there are a number of strict conditions attached to their return, and in another twist the owner of the animals has filed a $1.25 million lawsuit against the SPCA and one of the peace officers in charge of the seizure operation.
The lawsuit claims when the livestock were removed from the sprawling ranch, the cattle and horses were stressed, terrorized and, in some cases, physically injured.
The allegations in the lawsuit have yet to be proven in court.
In the meantime, the cattle and horses will be returned to the ranch owned by 54-year-old John Barry Graham but under certain conditions. Graham won’t be be allowed to care or manage the animals. He must also pay the SPCA $160-thousand within 10 days for their care and veterinary bills.
If the money isn’t paid on time, the animals will be sold, or — if not medically fit — euthanized.
