Squatters living in trailers and mistreatment of livestock are concerns for Woodlands County residents, a local peace officer told county Council at its June 19 meeting.
Sgt. Dallas Choma, a Lac Ste. Anne County Enforcement Services peace officer, brought to council's attention that there had been an increase in squatters within the municipality recently.
“There are many Woodlands County residents that are quite concerned about squatters and what has taken place,” said Sgt. Choma.
“People who don’t have a place to live are parking trailers in the county. We are dealing with it as we are notified.”
Near Fort Assiniboine, some squatters have been advised to leave before a specific date otherwise law enforcement will remove them and their belongings from the property.
Livestock
Coun. Peter Kuelken, for Goose Lake and Freeman River, discussed livestock at large and livestock mistreatment incidents and whether those incidents are referred to the SPCA.
Sgt. Choma explained the Animal Protection Act enables law enforcement to act in the same manner as SPCA.
There was an enforcement example of undernourished livestock where two horses were seized.
A complaint was received and was investigated, finding the horses not in good health.
The owner was confronted, and he tried to run over law enforcement on the property.
A veterinarian and professional wranglers were involved to properly handle the horses and determined the horses had to be put down.
Sgt. Choma commented that with the feed situation this year more animals are getting through unmaintained fences, and they are dealing with those complaints as they occur.
Reeve Kusch questioned whether there is a focus on educating first versus being punitive.
