Charges laid in sheep attack

Times Reporter 

 

Charges have been laid in a case that saw several sheep killed and injured at the Ag. Society grounds earlier this month. 

“The owner had one of the dogs euthanized, prior to charges being laid and without consulting with the RCMP,” said Const. Andrew Lindsay. 

“The dog was described as a wolf/shepherd cross. The second dog is a Shepherd, we will not be removing it from the owner but will probably ask that the Crown requests that the owner be ordered to keep the dog properly contained on the property.”

Andrea Ouellet, 42, of Strathmore has been charged with 26 offences under the Strathmore Municipal Bylaw Act. The charges include two counts of dog at large and 24 counts of a dog killing or injuring another animal. 

“Normally if someone was charged with a dog injuring or killing an animal it would be a $200 fine/per offence. In this case, Ouellet has been charged with 24 counts, the potential fine could be $200×24 plus the fine for two counts of dog at large,” said Lindsay. 

The courts, however, could impose a higher or lower fine, especially if restitution is order to be paid to the sheep owner. 

On the morning of July 6 two dogs got loose from their home and wandered to the Ag. Society. There they attacked a herd of sheep that were on the land as part of a grazing contract with the Sunshine Hutterite Colony.  There were seven sheep killed and 16 injured in the attack. There was also one goat injured so badly it had to be euthanized. 

Ouellet is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 14.