NORTH BATTLEFORD – A trial for an 81-year-old Whitkow area rancher who had cattle seized isn’t proceeding as scheduled.
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.
On Monday, defence counsel Mike Nolin and Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt jointly requested the court for an adjournment saying they are working hard on a possible resolution by March 2024. Nolin said the Crown is limited because Tokaryk can’t financially afford any fine option.
Court heard that there have been delays due to issues with Tokaryk not being able to pay legal fees, as well as issues with Crown witnesses. Judge Kevin Hill removed the requirement that Tokaryk pay $100 a month to court services.
In June 2022, Executive Director Don Ferguson with Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, told SASKTODAY.ca that between April 6 – 8 APSS officers 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.
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