Wayne Bernard Jubb leaving the Lethbridge Courthouse Thursday (Lethbridge News NOW)

By Lara Fominoff

Man accused of selling horses for processing receives fine, restitution order

Aug 15, 2019 | 4:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A 78-year-old man charged in connection with the sale of two horses that were slaughtered at a Fort Macleod facility in April 2018, has pleaded guilty in Lethbridge Provincial Court to one count of mischief by destroying or damaging property.

Two other charges against Wayne Bernard Jubb including trafficking in stolen property and uttering a forged document were stayed.

According to an agreed statement of facts presented by Crown Prosecutor Darwyn Ross, two horses had been boarding at Jubb’s ex-wife’s property for five years along with her own horses. Over time, the business he helped his ex-wife operate ran into financial difficulty. When she passed away in 2018 bankruptcy proceedings were underway.

All the horses on the property had to be moved by April 28, 2018. During a conference call between Jubb, his son, and the owner of the two horses named Coco and Cinderella there was some discussion about possibly selling them, however no decision had been made.

The owner of the horses, who lives in B.C., found a place near Waterton Lakes National Park to board them, however the information was not communicated to Jubb.

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On April 26, 2018, Jubb picked up the horses because he had a deadline to move 30 others on the property, and took the two to an auction house in Picture Butte where they were bid on, and sold for slaughter for $799. They were 16 and 23 years old at the time.

He signed documents indicating they were his animals, and that his ex-wife had been caring for them, which was not the case.

When the owner showed up April 28, 2018 to move her horses, they were already gone, and a report was filed with Raymond RCMP.

Three victim impact statements were entered court including the owner’s, which was partially read out loud. In the letter she wrote “the death of my horses has had a severe impact on me… I can’t shake the sadness I feel.”

The Defense agreed that although there was miscommunication on both sides, Jubb had decided to sell the horses even though he had no authority or direction to do so.

The judge told the court it was a “unique scenario that involved animals that people developed a relationship with over time.”

“Did he make a mistake? Was he unthinking? Yes,” said the judge. “He had a duty to care for them (the horses). Not to have them killed.”

The Crown and Defense made a joint submission which included the guilty plea, along with a $750 fine. It was accepted by the judge, along with an order to pay $8,000 in restitution immediately to the court clerk’s office. Jubb is to forward a cheque from the sale of the two horses (which was never cashed) in the amount of $799 as well.

Outside the courthouse, Jubb declined to comment on his conviction.