Animal cruelty charge laid against Morinville woman

Animal cruelty charge laid A Morinville woman faces an animal cruelty charge after 13 animals were seized from a home in the community.

Police have arrested a Morinville woman on animal cruelty charges after three dogs, seven puppies, two cats and a rabbit were seized from a home in the community north of Edmonton.

According to RCMP a search warrant was executed on June 3 which resulted in the domesticated animals being turned over to authorities due to “deplorable living conditions.”

"There were 13 animals in total that were found to be in significant distress. [A cat] was actually dead when the peace officers went there. Subsequent to that one puppy had to be euthanized," said Insp. Gibson Glavin.

Police said the animals were taken to Morinville Veterinary Clinic for “immediate attention and care."

"[They] are being cared for very well now [...] so they are okay or hopefully will be okay," he said.

RCMP have charged Carli Gold, 26, with one count of cruelty to an animal and four other counts under the Animal Protection Act of Alberta.

According to Glavin, police don't often lay a criminal charge when it comes to pets, as it has to be "alleged to have been a deliberate action that causes suffering."

Gold will appear in Morinville Provincial Court on June 16 - she could face up to 5 years in jail.