Animal cruelty alleged on Manitoba farm

A Manitoba RCMP investigation into alleged animal cruelty has resulted in the arrest of a man from the Rural Municipality of Swan River.

Police said Thursday in late November, a civilian came forward to complain about how animals on a local farm were being treated.

RCMP and animal-welfare officials went to the farm and seized 27 dogs, 15 horses and two donkeys on Dec. 1.

Investigators found the animals unhealthy and neglected, RCMP said. The animals have been removed from the property.

A local animal-welfare worker said about 17 dogs were living in a barn, and some had skin growing over the chains they were restrained with.

Debbie Peterson said many of the dogs appeared to have never seen the light of day and shook with fear when approached.

"The smell was horrendous. You could not stand to be there for more than a minute without rushing out and gasping for air," she said.

The horses and donkeys were emaciated and had no feed nor water, Peterson said.

A 68-year-old man was arrested, and released on conditions. He'll make a first appearance in court on Jan. 5 in Swan River, police said. He was not identified.

Police said he has been charged with animal cruelty.

Police said they continue to investigate.  

Swan River is located about 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg.