Horses, dogs seized and more cruelty charges laid

EVANSBURG, ALTA. RCMP say a woman already accused in the deaths of three horses on a rural property west of Edmonton is facing many more animal cruelty charges.

Police say 65 horses and six dogs were taken from the property near Entwistle on Tuesday.

The animals, who were alive but in various states of health, were taken to veterinary clinics or other facilities for care.

Patricia Moore, who is 48 and from Parkland County, faces a total of 63 charges of permitting or causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to animals.

Ross Atkinson, who is 50, faces the same charges in relation to the three dead horses.

Police began investigating after receiving reports in December of starving horses on a property near Entwistle.

Cpl. Chris Warren did not have details about the condition of the horses and dogs seized, but he did say that “there was a definite concern for the health

and well-being of a lot of these animals.”

He said no other animals remain at the site and no further dead ones were discovered.

Investigators are still trying to find out how the animals came to be on the property.

“I don’t have an answer for you at this point,” Warren said.

“Obviously these charges are of grave concern.

“These allegations are quite disturbing, not only due to the content of the charges, but the actual number of them.”

A bail hearing for Moore was to be held Wednesday in Stony Plain provincial court.

Atkinson is to appear in court on Monday.