Arrest of Foothills County man leads RCMP to animals in distress

A traffic stop involving a Foothills County man led to the discovery of over 80 animals in distress on an acreage in Mountain View County. 

RCMP recovered a stolen truck, trailer and skid steer and arrested a male after conducting a traffic stop on April 22. 

• RELATED: Foothills County man pulled over driving stolen truck and trailer

The stolen truck was seen leaving a rural property in Mountain View County, and a search warrant was conducted at the property on April 23, RCMP said. 

In addition to property seized by police, the search uncovered numerous animals in distress. 

Animals seized from the property include 56 dogs of various breeds, 10 sheep, nine llamas, four chickens and three geese, according to the RCMP. The Alberta SPCA is investigating further. 

During the search, police seized two shotguns and other firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, six stolen trucks and other vehicles and equipment. 

Michael McGill, 44, a resident of Mountain View County, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, failure to comply with a release order and unauthorized possession of a firearm. 

McGill was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on April 25.