This year continues to be an incredibly difficult one for the Alberta SPCA and the animal welfare sector across the province. Unfortunately, many Alberta communities are seeing a growing number of devastating and urgent situations requiring the Alberta SPCA’s help. Most recently, the organization took in more than 70 dogs and puppies after an investigation at a rural property in Brazeau County.
Peace Officers first arrived at the property in mid–November to ensure the owner was in compliance with an existing prohibition order limiting the number of livestock he could have in his care – a regular course of a Peace Officer’s duties. While at the property, Peace Officers observed numerous dogs, all living outside without proper shelter for the weather conditions, and several with injuries.
Alberta SPCA Peace Officers returned to property November 26, 2024, at which point 72 dogs were surrendered by the owner. This included numerous puppies that had not yet been weaned from their mothers. Many of these animals remain in the care of the Alberta SPCA while others have been transferred to animal welfare partner organizations where they are being cared for until they are ready to be put up for adoption.
“This is just the latest example of the dire situation facing the animal welfare community,” said Alberta SPCA Executive Director Leanne Niblock. “We’re experiencing unprecedented pressure as the rising cost of living, as well as the lingering impacts of the pandemic, have created a situation where there are too many animals without proper care in all corners of our province.”
The animal owner in this case, James Allan Kurz, is subject to a 10-year prohibition from owning more than 30 head of livestock. Alberta SPCA Peace Officers observed more than 30 livestock when at the property. The subject has since reduced the number of animals to come into compliance with the order.
“We would like to thank the RCMP for their support of our Peace Officers with this investigation,” added Niblock. “This is just one of many recent files where RCMP members and our Peace Officers worked together to improve both the situation of the animals, and the community impacted.”
To date in 2024, the Alberta SPCA has taken in approximately 800 animals.
If you believe an animal may be in distress outside Edmonton and Calgary, call the Alberta SPCA’s Animal Distress Line at 1-800-455-9003.