Our Primetime This Week Panel looks at rural Alberta crime, cutting ties with Vista Outdoor, the fate of 500 seized animals, becoming Edmonton's goat boss.
Rural Alberta resident charged after shots fired at alleged burglar
Residents of rural Alberta are asking how far they can go to protect their property after an Okotoks man was charged after shots were fired at two alleged thieves on his property.
Police say the landowner encountered two individuals rummaging through his vehicles. During the confrontation, shots were fired. One suspect was sent to hospital with an injury to his arm. That man, Ryan Watson, was later charged with trespassing, theft from a vehicle and possession of methamphetamine.
The landowner, Edouard Maurice faces charges of aggravated assault, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm.
Some locals are backing Maurice, saying break-ins in rural Alberta are becoming more common.
Canadian companies cut ties with brands owned by U.S. gun manufacturer
In the aftermath of a mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida, some Canadian companies have stopped selling brands owned by Vista Outdoor, which also manufactures and sells guns and ammunition.
Edmonton-based The Running Room will no longer carry products by Vista-owned CamelBak. Mountain Equipment Co-Op says it will suspend orders from five brands owned by Vista. Both companies will not remove existing inventory from store shelves.
MEC faced threats of a boycott if it didn’t stop selling the brands. More than 40,000 people even signed a petition.
Animals seized from Edmonton pet store
The Edmonton Human society seized around 500 animals at My Pet at West Edmonton Mall after receiving a concern from someone about the animals.
Among the animals seized were fish, amphibians, arachnids, birds and small mammals, according to Peace Officer Danika Bodnarchuk with the Edmonton Humane Society.
The store is now closed as an investigation underway. In a statement, a spokesperson for the mall says “West Edmonton Mall, along with the owner of My Pet worked together to facilitate the handover of the animals to the Edmonton Humane Society within hours of the permanent closure of the tenant.”
An investigation will determine if the animals were abandoned or put in distress. There could be fines up to $20,000 and a ban on owning animals.
City of Edmonton hiring Goat Co-ordinator - no kidding around
City of Edmonton officials are looking for a goat co-ordinator to help oversee the GoatWorks pilot project where goats are brought in to parks to combat weeds and reduce herbicide use.
The unique position pays up to $43 per hour and the city is looking for someone with a background in horticulture, forestry, parks and recreation and environment disciple is an asset.
Your Primetime This Week Panel includes: Emma Graney, Edmonton Journal political reporter; Stacey Brotzel, CTV Edmonton Morning Live anchor and Helen Pike, Metro Calgary reporter.
