Recent Convictions under the Animal Protection Act
As a result of their investigations, Alberta SPCA Peace Officers lay charges on average about 18 times a year. Many prosecutions take more than a year to arrive at a verdict.
In 2020, Animal Protection Act prosecutions resulted in 6 convictions. Four cases were withdrawn and 11 cases remains before the courts. The six convictions involved numerous species of animals including horses, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, pigeons, and goats. The sentences included prohibition orders against owning animals in five of the the six convictions.
The Alberta SPCA maintains a full list of active prohibition orders in our jurisdiction. The list includes links with more detailed descriptions of many of the related investigations.
Here are some of the most recent convictions resulting from Alberta SPCA investigations:
Recent Convictions from Alberta SPCA investigations
Jaleesa Gach
December 23, 2015Gach pleaded guilty to one charge under the Animal Protection Act for causing or allowing her dog to be in distress. She was fined $100 and is prohibited for five years from owning any dogs.
Simon Keusch
November 9, 2015Keusch pleaded guilty to one charge under the Animal Protection Act for causing or allowing llamas to be in distress. He was fined $5,000 and is prohibited for three years from owning or being in charge of any livestock, … Read more
Martin Benedict
October 23, 2015Benedict pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Protection Act for causing or allowing horses to be in distress and for failing to provide horses with adequate food and water. He was fined $1,200 and is prohibite … Read more
Dave Bethel
October 23, 2015Bethel pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Protection Act for causing or allowing reptiles and amphibians to be in distress, for failing to provide them with adequate food and water, and for failing to treat … Read more
Marlene Douglas
October 15, 2015Gillian Majeau
August 25, 2015Majeau pleaded guilty to one charge under the Animal Protection Act for causing or allowing cats to be in distress. She was fined $1,000 and is prohibited for five years from owning any cats.
Active Prohibition Orders
Beierbach, Cheyenne
October 4, 2022Cheyenne Fern Beierbach is prohibited from possessing, having custody or control of, or residing in the same residence as an animal for 15 years. Ms. Beierbach is permitted to possess, have custody or control of, and res … Read more
Palmer, Jamie Ann
June 21, 2022Jamie Ann Palmer entered into a common law peace bond on June 21, 2022. As part of the peace bond, Ms. Palmer must keep the peace and be of good behaviour. She shall notify the Alberta SPCA or any peace officer designate … Read more
MacKinnon, Grant D.
May 30, 2022Grant D. MacKinnon has entered into a Common Law Peace Bond, which includes a condition that he not practice equine dentistry in Alberta for a period of one year. The prohibition period is in effect from May 30, 2022 to … Read more
Moore, Patricia
April 8, 2022Patricia Moore is prohibited for life from possessing, caring for or having ownership of any equine. Ms. Moore has until May 31, 2022 to divest herself of any horses in her care or control. *Update: A Justice has … Read more
Beuerlein, Dakota
December 23, 2021Dakota Beuerlein is prohibited from owning more than 5 livestock for a period of one year. In addition, Alberta SPCA Peace Officers have the right to inspect animals on Mr. Beuerlein’s properties, without warrant, for a … Read more
Adamsen, Rose Lee
July 27, 2021Rose Lee Adamsen is prohibited from having care of or being responsible for the feeding and care of one or more horses for a period of three years. Adamsen may ride a horse recreationally but may not be responsible for t … Read more
