RCMP say it’s the most animal cruelty charges they’ve seen in a single case in recent memory.
Almost 50 in all against a 48-year-old woman from the west coast community of Heatherton.
The charges, first laid last April, are conspicuous due to the sheer number of them on the Stephenville court docket.
Forty-four in total against Michelle Young, alleging she knowingly caused more than a dozen animals, mostly goats, “unnecessary pain, suffering or injury.”
Police were first called to the farm in April of 2022 after receiving a complaint.
RCMP Cpl. Jolene Garland says it wasn’t pretty.
(Cpl. Jolene Garland File Photo)
“A number of goats were located deceased and a number of other animals appeared to be extremely malnourished and not properly cared for. Many of the animals actually lacked proper foot care, among other negative impacts, which affected their ability to walk.”
Police were assisted by the animal health division with the Department of Fish, Food and Agriculture, leading to necropsies on the animals and the subsequent raft of charges.
Young had been trying for years to import and breed animals at her farm, first with bison then goats and other animals.
But she long complained publicly about the financial challenges, citing difficulties getting government funding and struggles to find and pay for animal feed.
Young’s next court date is Monday, when she’s expected to enter pleas to the charges.
Garland, meanwhile, concedes it’s a uniquely disturbing case.
“I cannot recall one that would’ve come with, you know, 44 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals,” she said. “This is certainly a significant case in that respect.”
