The owner of a High River dog kennel has been charged with several weapons violations and animal neglect.
On Sept. 3, police responded to a call for service at the Dawg Father Dog Kennel, discovering evidence of weapons violations “in plain view,” according to a news release issued Monday.
Police arrested one man on scene and obtained a search warrant.
While searching the property, RCMP found animals not being suitably cared for, the law enforcement agency said.
Foothills County resident Justin Stenabaugh, 38, is charged with possession of a restricted firearm at an unauthorized place, four counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, two counts of careless use of a prohibited device, two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm and animal neglect.
A post to social media site Reddit alleged that a dog suffered severe neglect at the facility, and was left without food or water for several days. It’s alleged the dog had bruises, welts and sores, and had lost weight.
However, Stenabaugh claims that the dog was brought to him underweight, and he created a meal plan for the animal in an effort to add weight, paying out-of-pocket for extra food.
Stenabaugh said in an interview with Postmedia that “you could see every rib” when the animal was first brought to him. He said the dog gained weight while in his care.
Stenabaugh said on the day of the search he had called 911 because his girlfriend was showing signs of a seizure. He said police found firearm paraphernalia in a bedroom where his girlfriend was receiving medical attention.
He said he told police where his legally obtained guns and ammunition were stored before being placed under arrest for negligent storage of ammunition. After the arrest, Stenabaugh was told he was facing an animal-neglect charge.
He agreed to all charges in exchange for being released from custody, expecting the animal-neglect charge to be dropped in the near future.
Since the his arrest, Stenabaugh has been subject to surprise animal-welfare visits, with officials monitoring how he interacts with the animals, he said, claiming Alberta SPCA believes the animal-neglect charge will be dropped after one more surprise visit.
Regarding complaints of animal waste lining kennels, Stenabaugh vehemently denied the allegations.
“That has never happened in my daycare, ever,” he said.
While claiming that the firearms charges are a result of a misunderstanding of recent gun law amendments, Stenabaugh firmly rejected the animal-neglect charge, and said evidence obtained by the Alberta SPCA will prove that.
“There’s no way they’re going to be able to charge me with animal neglect.”
When asked about any complaints regarding the Dawg Father, the Alberta SPCA said it was unable to speak about calls and complaints to its animal distress line.
Alberta RCMP has not responded to requests for comment.
Stenabaugh is set to appear in court in Okotoks on Nov. 1.