Horses in distress rescued from Parkland County property, woman arrested

A woman with a court-ordered lifetime ban from owning horses is facing new animal cruelty charges related to horses.

Multiple horses in distress were seized from a Parkland County woman with multiple convictions for animal offences and who was under a lifetime ban from owning or caring for them.

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On Monday, RCMP and Alberta SPCA searched a rural property after receiving reports of stolen property and animals in distress.

Mounties said several horses in need of help were seized and taken for examination and treatment.

Patricia Moore, 54, was arrested. RCMP said she was already under a court order banning her for life from owning, caring for or being in possession of any horses.

In 2022, Moore was found guilty on four charges under the Animal Protection Act after seven horses were found to have starved to death on a property near Evansburg.

She was also convicted in 2012 of permitting horses to be in distress.

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Moore is facing new charges of breaching a court order, possession of stolen property under $5,000, breaching a prohibition order, and two counts of causing unnecessary pain and suffering or injury to an animal.

“I would like to thank those who are willing to come forward and provide information that helps protect vulnerable animals,” said RCMP Sgt. Jeff Sutherland.

“It is thanks to the public that we were able to work with the Alberta SPCA and Parkland County Enforcement Services to seize these animals and protect them from further harm.”

Moore was released on conditions, including the rehoming of any remaining horses on her property.

She is expected to appear on April 28 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Evansburg.

With files from The Canadian Press