NORTH BATTLEFORD – A Whitkow area cattle producer who had 308 cattle seized pleaded not guilty Monday in North Battleford Provincial Court.
Morris Tokaryk was charged under Canada’s Criminal Code with causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to the animals, and failing to provide adequate water, food, and care for the animals. He was also charged under the Animal Protection Act for allowing animals to be in distress and failing to comply with a corrective action order.
Tokaryk didn’t appear in court and his defence Tim Nowlin, entered the not guilty plea by phone. Senior Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt also appeared by phone. Judge Michelle Baldwin scheduled a four-day trial for Oct. 16-19.
Between April 6 – 8 Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, executed a warrant on a rural property in the area of Whitkow and with assistance from Blaine Lake RCMP they seized 308 cattle in distress, Executive Director Don Ferguson told SASKTODAY.ca previously.
The cattle were found to be in distress as a result of lack of access to sufficient feed, water and conditions that would significantly impair the animal's health over time,” said Ferguson.
The charges against Tokaryk haven't been tested in court.
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