Two individuals are facing multiple charges in connection with the closure of an animal rescue in Marie Reine late last month.
In September, Valley- view RCMP were made aware of nearly 300 domestic and livestock animals that were in distress in two locations of In the Woods Animal Rescue, one in Marie Reine and one in the M.D. of Smoky River. As a result of the investigation, Sheryl Woods, 69, and Cheryl Bastien, 67, are charged with willful neglect of animals (Criminal Code offense), causing unnecessary suffering (Criminal Code offense), and permitting animals to be in distress (Animal Protection Act).
“Animals are important to all of us,” wrote Valleyview RCMP Const. Dayna Serafin in a news release.
“I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of the Canadian Animal Task Force, the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society and more than 16 animal welfare agencies from across Alberta – along with the support from Valleyview Councillor Ken Wittig and several local businesses. Together, we were able to immediately place these animals into safe environments where they are receiving the care they need.”
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) executive director Deanna Thompson says the conditions the animals were living in were extremely poor.
“Two hundred ninety or more animals, including dogs, cats, a rabbit and livestock were surrendered from the two properties,” says Thompson.
“Animals will require varying levels of medical care and are still being evaluated at this time, but many require major dental surgery and spay or neuter. Animals will be available for adoption once they have been medically and behaviourally cleared by the organizations they are with.
“We’re hoping to see animals ready to find their new families within the next few weeks.”
Animals rescued from the facilities have been placed with more than 16 groups, including AARCS, Animal Rescue Foundation, The Alice Sanctuary, Global Animal Lovers, Peace Regional SPCA, Pitbulls for Life, Saving Grace Animal Society, Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue, Bear Valley Rescue, Central Alberta Humane Society, Edmonton Humane Society, Fostering Hope Animal Rescue, Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue, MEOW Foundation, Next Chapter Animal Rescue League, and Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation. Sixteen dogs are also being boarded at Country Club Pet Resort until they can be placed.
Woods and Bastien were released on conditions and are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on Dec. 15.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter