The animal neglect charge against the owner of a Foothills County dog kennel has been officially withdrawn, along with multiple firearms-related charges.
Justin Stenabaugh, owner of The Dawg Father Daycare and Boarding, was initially facing 10 firearms-related charges and one charge of animal neglect following an investigation in September. RCMP officers had reported observing weapons in plain sight and animals that were allegedly not being properly cared for.
However, Alberta Justice confirmed on Wednesday that eight of the firearms charges and the animal neglect charge have been dismissed. Stenabaugh ultimately pleaded guilty to two remaining firearms charges: unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and careless use or storage of a firearm. He was sentenced to a 12-month conditional sentence, six months of probation, and a firearms prohibition.
In response to the withdrawal of the charges, Stenabaugh expressed his relief and gratitude in a social media post, thanking his supporters. “Finally, after everything that’s been said about my family and business in a very negative and public manner, we’ve been cleared of any animal neglect charges,” he wrote. “My family and I would like to send a huge and heartfelt thank you to everybody who supported us at this time and never wavered in your trust and belief in who we are.”
Speaking with CTV News in October, Stenabaugh had vehemently denied the animal neglect allegations, asserting that he had always treated animals in his care with the utmost care and respect. “I’ve never neglected or abused an animal in my care ever—ever—nor would I,” he said.
The charges against Stenabaugh stemmed from an incident in early August, when a dog at his facility was reportedly underweight. Stenabaugh stated that the dog was given extra food during its stay at the boarding facility to address its condition.
With the charges behind him, Stenabaugh looks forward to continuing his business and serving his clients, vowing to always be there for them as they were for him.