Peter Hans SPAHR and Linda C. SPAHR of the Tofield area pleaded guilty on August 21, 2019 in Vegreville Provincial Court to two counts each of causing an animal to be in distress under the Animal Protection Act (APA) 2(1) and for failing to provide veterinary care for an animal that is sick or injured 2.1(b). Peter SPAHR pleaded guilty to one additional charge of obstruction of a peace officer under the APA.
Peter and Linda SPAHR received a prohibition order that they may not own or have joint care or custody of more than fourteen (14) horses for a period of fifteen (15) years. The Court also granted the Alberta SPCA authority to attend properties owned by the Spahrs, without warrant, to inspect the horses and ensure compliance with the order. The Court also granted the Alberta SPCA authority to immediately seize all animals on the property in the event of a breach of the prohibition order.
The Court ordered Peter SPAHR to pay a fine of $5,000 and Linda SPAHR to pay a fine of $2,000 as part of the sentence.
The prohibition order is in effect from September 6, 2019 to September 5, 2034.