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.
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
Mathew Ryan Hutchings
April 9, 2024On April 9, 2024, Mathew Ryan Hutchings of Sturgeon County was convicted in Alberta Court of Justice of one count under the Animal Protection Act 2(1) of allowing an animal to be in distress. As part of Hutchings’ senten … Read more
James Jenkins
October 2, 2023On October 2, 2023, James Jenkins of Strathcona County pleaded guilty to causing distress to cattle. Peace Officers attended Mr. Jenkins property December 22, 2021 after receiving public complaints that animals were in d … Read more
Keagan Darcy Stanley
July 23, 2023Keagan Darcy Stanley of Fort Saskatchewan pleaded guilty in July 2023 to both Animal Protection Act and Criminal Code of Canada charges in relation to the distress of a Shih Tzu named Bella. The charges related to two se … Read more
Diana Bochar
March 2, 2023On March 2, 2023, Diana Bochar of Smoky Lake County pleaded guilty in provincial court to one count of allowing an animal to be in distress under the Animal Protection Act (APA). In October 2022, the Alberta SPCA receive … Read more
Karli Sitting Eagle
December 1, 2022Karli Sitting Eagle pleaded guilty to the Animal Protection Act (APA) charge of allowing an animal to be in distress, 2(1) on December 1, 2022. In October of 2021, the Alberta SPCA received a public complaint about a kit … Read more
Cheyenne Beierbach
October 4, 2022On October 4, 2022, Cheyenne Beierbach of Barons, Alberta was convicted in Provincial Court of causing an animal to be in distress under the Animal Protection Act (APA) 2(1). Ms. Beierbach was charged in December 2020 wi … Read more
Active Prohibition Orders
ONYSCHUK, Jim
December 5, 2018Jim Onyschuk is prohibited for life from owning more than 30 cattle. The prohibition order is in effect from Dec 5, 2018 for life
COLE, Kathleen
November 13, 2018Kathleen Cole is prohibited from owning more than 2 horses for a period of 10 years. The prohibition order is in effect from Nov 13, 2018 to Nov 13, 2028
Kamin, Jo
November 13, 2018Jo Kamin is prohibited from owning more than 1 horse for a period of 10 years. The prohibition order is in effect from Nov 13, 2018 to Nov 13, 2028
AUGER, Deane Carrie
March 23, 2018Deane Auger is prohibited for 10 years from owning animals. The prohibition order is in effect from Mar 23, 2018 to Mar 23, 2028
HEIKEL, Linda
June 22, 2017Linda Heikel is prohibited for life from owning horses. While the prohibition order is in effect for life, Linda Heikel may apply to have the prohibition order reviewed as of June 22, 2027.
SMITH, Richard Jacob
June 22, 2017Richard Jacob Smith is prohibited for life from owning horses. While the prohibition order is in effect for life, Richard Jacob Smith may apply to have the prohibition order reviewed as of June 22, 2027.