The two men that allowed more than 25 horses to starve to death at an Andrew, Alta. farm were handed record fines Wednesday morning.
Axel Hinz-Schleuter must pay $12,000 in fines and is banned from owning horses for life.
Dale Huber must pay $6,000 in fines and cannnot own horses for ten years. Both men cannot own more than 40 animals and 80 poultry.
Schleuter and Huber did not have to appear in court Wednesday. Their case became so high profile, it resulted in both men receiving hate mail and death threats.
Provincial court Judge B.G. Rae says the offenders should have known better.
"What's particularly disturbing is that in 2005 the offenders were told how to properly care for animals," he said.
Among the fines and regulations, this decision will also allow Alberta SPCA the right to inspect the property without a warrant.
"We'll be on the property on a regular basis, counting animals, checking animals, and ensuring that everything is going to continue to be in good order," said SPCA field supervisor Ken Dean.
Carcasses of rabbits, chickens and ducks were also found on the farm.
In an agreed statement of facts, court heard officers found "carcasses being eaten a coyote," horses suffering from "heavy lice infestation," and that most had "no food, water or shelter."
The surviving horses were nursed back to health at Keno Hills Stable in Ardrossen and then adopted out.
With files from Bill Fortier
