Alberta man charged by SPCA for dog-breeding kennel application denied

A man accused of failing to properly care for more than 200 animals who later applied for a kennel development permit to operate a dog farm in Alberta has been denied.

The Vulcan County Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously to reject Tyler Marshall’s plan in the House Wednesday morning.

READ MORE: Man charged after mass animal seizure asks to start Alberta dog farm

Nearly 200 letters were submitted to the committee expressing their opposition to the request and a handful of protesters also attended the meeting.

The Calgary Humane Society spoke out against the request, suggesting there were too many information gaps. There were fears that the farm would be branded a ‘puppy mill’ and there were concerns about the welfare of the animals housed there.

Watch below: A man who had dozens of animals seized from his Alberta property for not caring for them properly has applied to open a dog farm. Doug Vaessen has details.

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A man accused of seizing animals asks to open a dog farm

The Alberta SPCA said 131 dogs, 62 rabbits, eight cats and three turtles were seized from the Alberta property of “Ty” Marshall in late April. The SPCA alleges the animals were determined to be in distress.

“It wasn’t food and water – it was other health issues – untreated medical issues and ventilation,” SPCA spokesman Roland said on Tuesday. Lines, to Global News.

Two of the dogs seized in the case had parvovirus and had to be put down in April. A third dog tested positive but was in the early stages and was treated at an offsite clinic. As a precaution, the Calgary Humane Society has temporarily closed to disinfect the area and minimize the risk of spreading the disease.

LISTEN: SPCA Confirms Charges in Mass Animal Seizure

Marshall released a statement through his attorney on Tuesday evening (scroll down to read the full statement), saying he has been diligent in his efforts to resolve “this dispute with the Alberta SPCA” regarding the seizure. He said he would vigorously contest the charges against him.

READ MORE: Public asked to stay away from Calgary Humane Society due to deadly parvovirus

Marshall owned Animal House in Okotoks, which eventually closed.

A handful of protesters also attended the Vulcan County Municipal Planning Commission.

LISTEN: Vulcan County Considers Application for Development Permit for Large Kennel and Breeding Facility

In his permit application to develop the large kennel area, a June 5 letter signed by Marshall states that he operates a breeding and brokerage business involving dogs and puppies on his parent’s property to the northeast of Vulcan.

“I have a permanent population of breeding dogs, of various types,” he wrote. “They are housed here for breeding purposes; their puppies are sold retail and wholesale. I am also a broker, other breeders will sell me puppies in bulk, I will then resell them.

Marshall’s next court appearance on the charges is June 26 in Lethbridge.

With files by Mia Sosiak