Two charged after RCMP find four missing calves
An investigation into the theft of four calves from a southern Alberta property resulted in RCMP recovering the stolen cattle, seizing a bag of crystal meth and an unauthorized weapon, and laying multiple charges against two men.
Four calves were taken from a farm near Caroline in early April and, after some investigation, Southern Alberta RCMP'S crime reduction unit partnered with the RCMP'S livestock section and Rocky Mountain House officers to execute a search warrant on a rural property near Condor on April 15.
Caroline is approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Condor. Both communities are about 60 kilometres west of Red Deer.
“The four calves have been returned to their owner, however, the impacts from crime as a result of a theft of this nature are ongoing,” Sgt. Gary Maclaren of the crime reduction unit said in a news release Wednesday.
“The victim will continue to experience not only the stress resulting from being a victim of crime but also the added financial costs, which include the cost of purchasing milk replacer and having to bottle-feed the animals as a result of them being apart from their mother too long.
“Other impacts are long-term effects on the mothers of the calves as a result of their separation, which can reduce their value.”
Michael Goodine, 44, of Clearwater County is charged with four counts of theft of cattle, one count of failing to comply with a release condition and one count of possessing ammunition while prohibited.
As officers searched the property near Condor where the calves were found, a man and woman drove onto the property in a vehicle that did not match the licence plate.
The driver was operating a vehicle while unauthorized, according to the news release from Alberta RCMP.
In searching the vehicle, investigators found a loaded .45-calibre rifle, 12 catalytic converters and a bag of crystal meth.
Mac Smith, 38, is charged with multiple weapons and drug offences, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless
The impacts from crime as a result of a theft of this nature are ongoing.
use of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine, failure to comply with a release order and driving while unauthorized.
Goodine is remanded to custody and is scheduled to appear in Rocky Mountain House Provincial Court on April 28.
Smith was also remanded to custody and is set to appear in court Wednesday.
Anyone with information on the theft of cattle is encouraged to call the Livestock Section of the RCMP at 403-701-1462 or local police, or leave anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www. P3tips.com.