An update has been provided about the Foothills resident who was arrested earlier this week for theft.

After initially being pulled over for having an obstructed license plate, police found that Clayton Whaling (43) from Foothills County was driving a stolen vehicle and towing a stolen trailer with a stolen skid steer on it.

Whaling was leaving the property of Mountain View County resident Michael McGill.

Whaling was arrested for Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000, and a search warrant was issued for the property he was leaving. 

During the search on April 23rd, RCMP officers from Didsbury, Airdrie, and their Auto Theft Unit, alongside officers from the Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU), found a substantial number of stolen items.

As a result of the search warrant, officers found the following items:

  • Six stolen trucks, including a Blazer, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, and Dodge Ram
  • Four utility trailers
  • A Polaris ATV
  • A Raptor Keystone RV
  • Two flat-deck trailers
  • Two shotguns
  • A bolt action rifle
  • Two .22 calibre rifles
  • Thousands of rounds of ammunition.
  • Six industrial heaters
  • A red Norco Sight vlt 12 speed Mountain Bike (serial number removed and RCMP are still trying to locate owners)

On top of those items, officers also found numerous animals in distress on the property.

There were 56 dogs of various breeds, 10 sheep, 9 llamas, 4 chickens, and 3 geese.

Dogs found on a property in Mountain View CountyDogs found on a property in Mountain View County

Because of the animals on the property, Alberta RCMP have been contacted, and they are conducting an investigation into the animals' wellbeing.

Any questions about the animals can be sent to Alberta SPCA.

According to an accompanying media release from Alberta SPCA, these animals are being added to the extensive list of animals already under their care.

Since the beginning of March, there have been approximately 250 animals that have been seized by or surrendered to Alberta SPCA Peace Officers, with the majority of them coming from only four investigations.

Michael McGill (44) of Mountain View County has been charged with:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
  • Fail to Comply with a Release Order
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

After a Juridical Interim Release Hearing, McGill was remanded for Alberta Court of Justice on April 25 in Airdrie.

We will provide any updates as they come.

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