By LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta woman facing multiple animal abuse charges

Feb 11, 2019 | 3:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – A provincial court judge has ordered a psychiatric assessment for a southern Alberta woman facing multiple animal abuse charges.

April Dawn Irving, who is 59 and originally from Lethbridge, is to undergo a 30-day mental review at the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre in Calgary.

Irving is charged with 13 counts of cruelty to animals, one count of causing suffering to animals and failure to appear in court.

She was arrested in 2014 after five dogs were found dead on a property near Milk River, Alta., along with more than 200 neglected animals that were dehydrated, starving and chained to stakes.

The Crown told court a psychiatric assessment is needed to see if Irving can be held criminally responsible.

Plan Ahead

Why Would You Pre-Plan Your Funeral?

Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

Last week, she told a judge that she wanted to be put in solitary confinement because she has received death threats in jail.