Close X
Monday, October 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. Farmer Wants To Be Reunited With Pig And Horse After SPCA Seizes Animals

The Canadian Press, 18 Jun, 2015 12:51 PM
    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — A lawyer for a lifelong farmer says his client wants a couple of his animals back as pets after 51 of them were seized over concerns they were roaming around the neighbourhood.
     
    Jay Michi said SPCA officials executed a warrant on a farm operated by Paul Sabyan, seizing 31 piglets, 18 sows, one boar and one bay stallion.
     
    “They were concerned he’s too old to husband them at (age) 77," Michi said.
     
    “He just wants his horse back and one pet pig."
     
    Michi will apply for the two animals to be returned through an SPCA review process.
     
    Marcie Moriarty, the agency’s chief prevention and enforcement officer, said a review is underway. If unsuccessful, Sabyan can file an appeal with the B.C. Farm Industry Review Board, and ultimately the courts.
     
    Moriarty said the animals were seized on June 2 at Sabyan's farm in Barriere, B.C., near Kamloops.
     
    “They met the definition of distress under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act," she said. "The vast majority have been surrendered.”
     
    The animals were placed in foster care, she said.
     
    Sabyan pleaded guilty and was sentenced in March under the Livestock Act for allowing his animals to roam on neighbours’ property and a nearby highway.
     
    During sentencing, a Crown lawyer outlined the frustration of neighbours and the danger to motorists from the pigs, which repeatedly escaped an enclosure and ranged in size from 90 to 400 kilograms.
     
    Sabyan also pleaded guilty under the Motor Vehicle Act to allowing domestic animals on a highway.
     
    Provincial court Judge Len Marchand called the matter “more than a nuisance.”
     
    “There was significant damage to neighbours’ property and risks to motorists on the Yellowhead Highway," he said.
     
    As part of his one-year probation term, Sabyan was required to provide proof of his fence repair and evidence of inspections.
     
    Michi said Sabyan has complied with the court order and that the SPCA action is unrelated to his probation.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Peterborough stands by no-touch policy for crossing guards despite protest

    Peterborough stands by no-touch policy for crossing guards despite protest
    PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — A city northeast of Toronto is standing by a policy that prevents crossing guards from giving or receiving high-fives from children despite complaints from some parents that the ban is "ridiculous."

    Peterborough stands by no-touch policy for crossing guards despite protest

    Quebec ending free and unlimited access to in vitro fertilization program

    Quebec ending free and unlimited access to in vitro fertilization program
    Quebec is putting an end to free and unlimited access to its in vitro fertilization program.

    Quebec ending free and unlimited access to in vitro fertilization program

    CFL commissioner Mark Cohon makes final Grey Cup state of the union address

    CFL commissioner Mark Cohon makes final Grey Cup state of the union address

    VANCOUVER — CFL commissioner Mark Cohon says his departure comes at a time of stability for...

    CFL commissioner Mark Cohon makes final Grey Cup state of the union address

    No simple solutions to revenue shortfall due to falling oil prices: Prentice

    No simple solutions to revenue shortfall due to falling oil prices: Prentice
    CALGARY — Alberta Premier Jim Prentice says there are no simple solutions for the revenue shortfall that will be coming due to plummeting oil prices.

    No simple solutions to revenue shortfall due to falling oil prices: Prentice

    Gas prices tumbling along with crude oil, but lower dollar is a headwind

    Gas prices tumbling along with crude oil, but lower dollar is a headwind
    CALGARY — With the price of crude plunging to its lowest level more than four and a half years, consumers are benefiting at the gas pump, but the savings are being dampened somewhat by a weaker dollar and other factors, according to an energy expert.

    Gas prices tumbling along with crude oil, but lower dollar is a headwind

    Oldest Canadian, Merle Barwis, held title for almost two years; dies at 113

    Oldest Canadian, Merle Barwis, held title for almost two years; dies at 113
    Canada’s oldest person who was known for celebrating her birthday with a cold beer has died just one month and one day shy of her 114th birthday.

    Oldest Canadian, Merle Barwis, held title for almost two years; dies at 113