$10,000 worth of hay stolen from field near St. Albert

Approximately $10,000 worth of hay destined for the Alberta SPCA was stolen from a field near Edmonton earlier this month.

About 70 bales of hay had been illegally cut and baled at Lois Hole Centennial Park just west of St. Albert. Alberta Environment and Parks made the decision to donate the hay to the SPCA.

However, when one of the SPCA peace officers went to inspect the hay before arranging for transportation, it was discovered all but one of the bales were gone.

It is believed the hay was stolen between July 31 and Aug. 5.

“The hay was going to be used to feed livestock in the care of our organization this winter,” said Stuart Dodds, provincial supervisor for the Alberta SPCA in a news release

“Unfortunately the bales disappeared before we could set eyes on them.”

Dodds said taking the hay would not have been easy.

“Collecting 70 bales would have required a bale picker as well as numerous loads on a flatbed semi-trailer.”

The SPCA notes the situation demonstrates the “desperate situation” livestock owners are facing with hot, dry weather leading to a poor hay crop and rising prices. Producers are encouraged to legally secure winter feed as soon as possible.

“If farmers do not have enough feed to get through winter and spring, they may need to take steps to reduce their herds this fall,” the release states.

“Allowing animals to starve due to a lack of available feed is not acceptable.”