A three year feud about dogs may have led to the murder of High River Bylaw officer Rod Lazenby.
Early Saturday morning RCMP formally arrested Priddis resident Trevor Kloschinsky in connection with the death after questioning him all day Friday. The 46-year-old is now charged with first degree murder in the death of Lazenby.
Lazenby, a retired RCMP officer had been a Foothills Peace Officer for about three-and-a-half years. During that time, he had gathered evidence which was used to get Kloschinsky and his several dogs evicted.
RCMP are still investigating the exact course of events, but it seems Lazenby was called out early Friday morning to the Tangled Spur Ranch near Priddis, Kloschinsky’s new home.
A short while later, Lazenby was dropped off in his own S.U.V. at the Calgary Police Service’s District 8 office in the southeast.
He arrived in critical condition, and died upon arrival at Rockyview Hospital.
Community Peace Officers carry batons and pepper spray, but not guns.
Trevor Kloschinsky rented space at the Tangled Spur Ranch and raised Blue Heeler dogs. Neighbours of the property say there are at least 30 dogs on-site.
Peace officers had been to the ranch before for animal calls due to the number of dogs on the property.
Kloschinsky was evicted from his previous home in Turner Valley in 2009, where he was running a similar dog ranch.
It was shut down by Alberta Health Services due to more than 20 health violations including a lack of potable water, mould, and mouse droppings.
Kloschinsky’s former landlord eventually went to court to evict him after neighbours complained of dogs barking at all hours.
Today, flags in High River, where Lazenby lived, are flying at half staff, and condolences from police and bylaw services continue to pour in.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday. RCMP are still investigating.
