Foothills County man charged with firearms offences, animal neglect

A Foothills County man is facing several weapons charges and a single charge of animal neglect related to an RCMP response early last month.

On Sept. 3, High River RCMP were called to The Dawg Father Daycare and Boarding.

Officers found evidence of weapons in plain view, RCMP say.

They also observed animals that were "not being suitably cared for," a media release reads.

"The officers on scene found multiple dogs that appeared to be in distress. They had no food and water and appeared to be malnourished," Cpl. Gina Slaney told CTV News.

Justin Stenabaugh, 38, is charged with two counts of possession of a restricted firearm, four counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, two counts of careless use of a prohibited device, two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm and one count of animal neglect.

Stenabaugh, who is the owner and operator of The Dawg Father Daycare and Boarding, denies the allegations.

"If I've done something that's wrong that they actually want to criminally charge me with the guns, that's fine. As for this (animal neglect) charge, I know for a fact it's not going to stick because I've never neglected or abused an animal in my care ever -- ever -- nor would I," Stenabaugh told CTV News.

He says there was a dog that arrived into his care in early August that was "very, very slim" and that the animal was provided with extra food for the multiple weeks it was at the boarding facility.

"The photos that will eventually come to light will show what the dog looked like when it got here and, even in the SPCA's opinion, she was in twice the health condition when she left than when she arrived on Aug. 11," Stenabaugh added.

Slaney confirmed the SPCA was called in to assist the RCMP.

A spokesperson for the SPCA referred all questions to the police.

Stenabaugh is due in court on Nov. 1.