The Alberta SPCA says the handling of cattle shown in a video recorded at the Calgary Stockyards in Strathmore is inappropriate as it examines allegations of animal abuse raised by an animal rights organization. The video, reportedly recorded by a drone on Oct. 22, shows workers repeatedly striking cattle with sticks or paddles and using what appear to be electric prods as the animals are loaded onto transport trucks. In one part of the video, a cow appears to have its head struck by a closing gate. In another, workers appear to strike and prod an animal while one of its legs is caught in a gate. Animal Justice, a national animal law organization, filed complaints with the Alberta SPCA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on Oct. 28, alleging the treatment may violate provincial and federal animal protection laws. In a statement to CTV News, the Alberta SPCA said it has assigned a peace officer to examine the complaint and the video. “Regardless of where or when the video was shot, considering provincial legislation and national best-practices the handling of the animals is not appropriate,” the SPCA said. The organization says it is working to verify the allegations and determine what action, if any, should follow. “We’re working to determine the veracity of the claim and then next steps — including working with our enforcement partners at the CFIA, as well as with the complainant.” The Alberta SPCA says possible outcomes include education for stockyard workers, warning letters or charges, depending on what investigators uncover. Animal Justice calls for penalties Alexandra Pester, a Calgary-based senior lawyer with Animal Justice, says the footage raises serious concerns about how the cattle were treated. “This video shows really disturbing treatment of cows at a feedlot just outside of Calgary,” Pester told CTV News. She says the organization is particularly concerned about the apparent use of electric prods on animals that have no clear path to move forward. Federal animal transport regulations restrict how electric prods may be used, including prohibiting their use on an animal’s belly or when the animal has no clear path to move. Pester says the treatment depicted in the video could constitute violations of both federal and provincial legislation. “This treatment of animals appears to be very abusive treatment of these animals and could even violate federal and provincial laws,” she said. Animal Justice wants enforcement agencies to inspect the facility and pursue charges if violations are established. Pester says the organization believes penalties are important to ensure compliance, rather than relying solely on education or warnings. Stockyards dismiss complaint Bryan Danard, an agent with Calgary Stockyards-Strathmore, told CTV News by telephone the company was aware of the complaints but had no comment. He also described the complaints as ridiculous. Federal agency reviewing footage The CFIA confirmed it received the Animal Justice complaint on Oct. 28. The federal agency told CTV News in an email its veterinarians would review the footage for potential violations of the Health of Animals Act and its regulations. The agency is responsible for enforcing federal requirements governing the humane transportation of animals, including loading and unloading. The CFIA says enforcement options range from education and warning letters to administrative monetary penalties and prosecution. The Alberta SPCA enforces the province’s Animal Protection Act, which prohibits causing an animal to be in distress, subject to certain exceptions, including generally accepted animal handling practices. The SPCA says the use of cattle prods is not automatically prohibited under provincial legislation. Neither agency has announced findings of wrongdoing or charges in connection with the complaint. The Alberta SPCA says it will continue working with the CFIA and Animal Justice to determine whether further enforcement action is warranted.
