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Photo Courtesy AARCS
By Tanner Smith
Valleyview RCMP *Trigger warning*

Charges laid in RCMP “animals in distress” investigation

Nov 18, 2025 | 3:33 PM

*CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY TRIGGER, UPSET OR ANGER INDIVIDUALS*

Valleyview RCMP has provided an update on its animals in distress investigation from October.

Mounties say they were made aware of possible incidents of animals in distress at both In The Woods Animal Rescue locations, Marie Reine and the MD of Smokey River, in September.

They then executed a search warrant with help from the Canadian Animal Task Force and Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society on Oct. 28.

According to RCMP, over 300 animals in varying states of physical and mental distress were seized, “many deprived of basic necessities, including veterinary care and humane living conditions.”

Sixty-nine-year-old Sheryl Woods of Marie Reine and 67-year-old Cheryl Bastien of the MD of Smokey River are each facing three charges:

  • Willful neglect of animals (Criminal Code Offence)
  • Causing unnecessary suffering (Criminal Code Offence)
  • Permitting animals to be in distress (Animal Protection Act)

Both are due in Peace River court on Dec. 15.

Valleyview RCMP constable Dayna Serafin said she is grateful for the “coordinated efforts of the Canadian Animal Task Force, the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society and more than 16 animal welfare agencies from across Alberta – along with the support from Valleyview town Councillor Ken Wittig and several local businesses.”

She notes that “animals are important to all of us,” and “together, we were able to immediately place these animals into safe environments where they are receiving the care they need.”

AARCS provided a list of all 16 animal welfare agencies that assisted in this operation in a blog post:

by Tanner Smith