These cows in a Saskatchewan field are not the ones seized last year near Love, Sask. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Animal cruelty

Sask. cattle owners charged in relation to animal cruelty case

Sep 1, 2021 | 9:00 AM

Editor’s note: This story was amended on Sept 7, to reflect that the charges against Donald Black and Connie Black-Sturby, were stayed by the Crown on June 16, 2020.

Nearly a year-and-a-half after over 100 cattle were seized from a farm in northeast Saskatchewan, the case is making its way to court.

The three respective owners, Donald Black, Connie Black-Sturby, and Maureen Black, were all initially charged under section four of the Animal Protection Act, which relates to an individual causing an animal to be in distress.

Maureen Black also faces two additional charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, alleging she allowed an animal to be caused unnecessary pain, or suffering; but also that she neglected to provide suitable and adequate food, water, shelter and care.

On June 16, 2020, the charges against Donald Black and Connie Black-Sturby were stayed by the Crown. Meanwhile, Maureen Black is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Sept. 15 in Nipawin.

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On April 2, 2020, a total of 107 cattle, at the farm near Love, were taken into protective custody. The charges were laid seven months later. While the investigation is handled by the Animal Protection Service of Saskatchewan (APSS), the ultimate decision to lay charges falls under RCMP jurisdiction.

Don Ferguson, Executive Director of APSS, explained that to ensure that people are charged under the appropriate section of the animal protection act and the criminal code, sufficient evidence is required and that includes detailed forensic veterinary work.

“We are at the mercy of how long those tests take,” he said. “In most of our cases, it’s anywhere from six to nine months.”

If the owners are found guilty, possible penalties include a $25,000 fine, imprisonment for up to two years, and a restriction on owning animals for a specified period of time.

The Village of Love is located roughly 120 km northeast of Prince Albert on Highway 55.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell