Richard Jacob Smith pleaded guilty on June 22, 2017 to one charge under the Animal Protection Act for failing to provide proper care for horses. He was fined $1,000 and is prohibited for life from having ownership, charge, care or control of horses. If Richard Smith fails to comply with this order, the Alberta SPCA or RCMP shall seize and remove any horses owned by Linda Heikel or Richard Jacob Smith or under their charge, care or control whether or not the horses are in distress. Linda Heikel may apply to have the prohibition order reviewed as of June 22, 2027.
On June 23, 2015, Richard Jacob Smith pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Protection Act for causing or allowing horses to be in distress. He was fined $5,000 and placed on probation for three years.