Dozens of dogs surrendered to SPCA by Brazeau County man

Seventy-two dogs were recently surrendered to Alberta SPCA by a Brazeau County property owner.

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Officials say the owner was not allowed to have more than 30 cattle under a 10-year court-ordered ban, set to expire next summer. 

When authorities went to the property in mid-November for a routine check, not only did they find he wasn't abiding by the order, but that he also had numerous dogs living outside without proper shelter, several of whom were injured.

"They were fairly rough, like they were feral around the property," recalled Cpl. Troy Savinkoff in a Thursday interview. "But ultimately, one in particular had broken bones that were of great concern for us." 

RCMP had been asked to accompany the peace officers and arrested James Allan Kurz, 64, for obstruction and assaulting a police officer after Kurz allegedly shoved an RCMP member. 

Alberta SPCA returned on Nov. 26 to remove the animals, some of which were puppies that had not yet been weaned. 

An undated photo of some of the puppies surrendered by a Brazeau County man to Alberta SPCA in November 2024 after he was found allegedly violating a court-ordered ban on the number of animals he could care for. (Source: Alberta SPCA)

Kurz cooperated in the process, Alberta SPCA spokesperson Dan Kobe told CTV News Edmonton. 

"He voluntarily surrendered them to us, recognizing the situation before him and for that, we're very thankful," Kobe said. 

"It wasn't bitterly cold yet, but that bitter cold weather was certainly not too far off… But still unacceptably cold for newborn puppies to be outside in." 

Many of the six dozen dogs remain with the SPCA, while others are being cared for by other welfare partner organizations until they can be adopted. 

Kurz was also charged with cruelty to animals, disobeying a court order, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He is due in court in Drayton Valley on Jan. 7. 

An undated photo of some of the dogs surrendered by a Brazeau County man to Alberta SPCA in November 2024 after he was found allegedly violating a court-ordered ban on the number of animals he could care for. (Source: Alberta SPCA)

"If he is convicted on the charges, it will be up to the judge whether there is another prohibition order that is implemented and whether it's more strict than the one he currently has," Kobe said. 

He said the situation demonstrates the "super challenging" year 2024 has been for Alberta SPCA and other animal welfare agencies. 

In total, Alberta SPCA took in some 800 animals in 2024. Many cases mirror the Brazeau County file in that dozens of animals – 82 from a southern Alberta property, for example – entered the animal welfare system at once. 

"Imagine having 70 dogs suddenly in shelters looking for homes. It's not easy to find that many people in a short period," Kobe said. 

According to him, Alberta SPCA has been able to weather the influx partially because higher amounts of precipitation meant fewer livestock issues. 

As of October, it had spent $1 million on animal care. 

With files from CTV News Edmonton's David Ewasuk