Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan has seized 131 cattle that were in distress at a property just north of Lampman.

Officials say they moved in after receiving a report that the cattle did not have access to feed. When officers investigated, they found 16 dead cows and stated the rest of the herd was in poor condition.

APSS said it received a call saying, not only did the cattle not have access to feed, but there were also dead animals on the property. The cattle belonging to Chad Mokelkey, are now in the care of APSS.

“Cattle are seized and are taken, in essentially what is protective custody, and delivered to a caretaker where they’re provided veterinary care and sufficient food, water all the necessities they require,” said Don Ferguson, APSS executive director.

Ferguson adds the next process for the owner, “They’re required to pay the cost associated with the seizure within a five-day period and they also have to rectify the conditions that resulted in the animals being removed in the first place." Ferguson said the owner has requested to reclaim the animals back and at this point, details and billing are still being worked out.

As for charges, Ferguson said it’s a possibility. “Most of our cases that result in seizure, they also result in charges being laid.".

Ferguson goes on to share, "the extreme cold the province experienced during February could have impacted the condition of the cattle. Any animals that were going into the winter that may have been under conditions, the extreme cold temperatures would certainly expose that. If they’re not provided with the sufficient feed required to maintain it, it doesn’t take long to quickly deteriorate in terms of condition.”

Ferguson said they’ve seen a 20 percent increase in call volume regarding the nature of cattle around the province.