By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Vulcan County man fined $10,000 for violating dog bylaw

Oct 5, 2018 | 5:22 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A Vulcan County man was handed a $10,000 fine Friday, Oct. 5, after admitting that he violated a provision of the County’s land use bylaw for having more than three dogs over the age of one on his property without a kennel license.

As a result of Tyler Marshall’s admission, Crown prosecutor Bruce Ainscough withdrew charges filed under the Animal Protection Act, meaning he will not receive a criminal record for the offence.

According to Ainscough, Marshall had been running a commercial breeding operation involving a variety of species. On April 13, 2017, Ainscough says another individual purchased a puppy from Marshall. He explained that the puppy developed symptoms and was treated for parvovirus, and that Marshall paid the veterinary bill when contacted by the buyer.

The buyer also contacted the Alberta SPCA, who on April 20, 2017, sent a peace officer to examine the property near Milo. As a result of the peace officer’s observations, a search warrant was obtained and a large number of animals – including 131 dogs – were removed from the property. An initial media release from the Alberta SPCA stated they found issues with space, sanitation and ventilation.

However, Ainscough did note some difficulties they had in the case, such as a veterinarian retained by Marshall who conducted their own assessment of the property, reporting that the animals were well cared for and in good condition. He also acknowledged that the defence had filed a charter notice that challenged the search and presented the prosecution with some issues, which he was not able to elaborate on.

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Should Marshall fail to pay his $10,000 fine by May – he can apply for an extension – he could face 83 days in jail.

To this point, three dogs over one-year of age, 20 dogs under one, 17 rabbits, eight cats and two leopard tortoises have been returned to Marshall.

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