Animal cruelty charges laid after hundreds of animals seized in northwest Alberta

Two women are facing charges after hundreds of animals were found in distress at a pair of northern Alberta rescues.

Two women are facing animal cruelty charges after more than 300 animals were seized from two In the Woods Animal Rescue locations in northwest Alberta.

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Mounties executed a search warrant on properties in Marie Reine and the MD of Smoky River where they found cats, dogs, horses and other livestock in varying states of distress, both physically and mentally.

Police say many of the animals were deprived of basic necessities including veterinary care and humane living conditions.

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society said several animals had to be euthanized on site due to distress.

As a result of the investigation, two women in their late-sixties are charged with willful neglect of animals, causing unnecessary suffering, and permitting animals to be in distress.

Both women were released on conditions and are to appear in court on Dec. 15.