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Brazeau County resident charged with animal cruelty, 72 dogs surrendered

James Allan Kurz, was under a court-issued prohibition order
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(Black Press Media file photo)

A 64-year-old resident of Brazeau County is facing several charges including cruelty to animals and resisting arrest after the Drayton Valley RCMP and Alberta SPCA peace officers conducted a check on a property on Nov. 15. 

The landowner, James Allan Kurz, was under an existing court-issued prohibition order and the check on the property allegedly revealed he was in possession of more livestock than he was allowed under the order. A dog with injuries to its legs was also allegedly found on the property.

As a result of the check, Kurz was arrested for obstruction, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

He is additionally charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, cruelty to animals and disobeying a court order. 

"While at the property, peace officers observed numerous dogs, all living outside without proper shelter for the weather conditions, and several with injuries," the Alberta RCMP said in a separate press release.

Kurz voluntarily worked with the Alberta SPCA and 72 dogs from and around the property were surrendered and are now being cared for, according to the RCMP.

The SPCA said they returned on Nov. 26, at which point the dogs were surrendered by the owner.

"This included numerous puppies that had not yet been weaned from their mothers."

According to the SPCA, many of the dogs are still in their care while others have been transferred to animal welfare organizations where they will be cared for until they are ready for adoption.

According to the SPCA, Kurz, is subject to a 10-year prohibition from owning more than 30 head of livestock and Kurz has now reduced the number of animals to come into compliance with the order.

“This is just the latest example of the dire situation facing the animal welfare community,” said Alberta SPCA executive director Leanne Niblock.

“We’re experiencing unprecedented pressure as the rising cost of living, as well as the lingering impacts of the pandemic, have created a situation where there are too many animals without proper care in all corners of our province," said Niblock.

 “This is just one of many recent files where RCMP members and our Peace Officers worked together to improve both the situation of the animals, and the community impacted.”

“We welcome the opportunity to support the Alberta SPCA with their difficult job in protecting animal welfare in this province,“ said RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.

“We are thankful that ultimately the property owner did the right thing in working with the Alberta SPCA in supporting these animals.”

Kurz was initially taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody for his next court appearance. He has since been released and his next court appearance is set for Jan. 7, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Drayton Valley.

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Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I'm a reporter for Ponoka News and have lived in Ponoka since 2015.
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