Information Release
August 22, 2019
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.
In December 2018 the Alberta SPCA received a public complaint of horses in distress on a property in the Tofield area. Peace Officers attended the property and over the course of two months seized approximately 80 horses due to distress and a lack of feed on the property. The horses were of miniature and full sized breeds. A total of nine dead horses were also found on the property.
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 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.
Most of the horses seized from the property we rehomed in two different auctions including the first Alberta SPCA Rehoming Sale held July 6, 2019.
For further information, please contact:
Dan Kobe
Communications Manager
Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
17904 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 2W3
Tel: 780-732-3742
Email: [email protected]
The vision of the Alberta SPCA is that every animal in Alberta be treated humanely.
albertaspca.org