(Image Credit: File photo/paNOW)

By Nigel Maxwell

Animal control

Gun-related charges laid after dog cull at Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation

Feb 20, 2026 | 5:14 PM

A 41-year old man who carried out a dog cull at Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation is now facing multiple charges related to the unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Two of the charges relate directly to breaches of previous court orders prohibiting him from having firearms.

Jonathan Gamble is scheduled to appear in the community’s circuit court on March 18.

Earlier this week, Rosthern RCMP said they began an investigation into a potential illegal possession of a firearm within the community. Gamble was charged on Feb. 17, which was one day after the cull occurred.

The cull has sparked a lot of online emotion. According to a statement issued by Chief and Council to band members through social media, despite excessive outreach to shelters and veterinary providers for partnership in managing dog-related concerns, no reliable, ongoing partnership has been established.

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“BOCN does not have the capacity to hire veterinarians at full cost to provide spay and neuter services, nor does spaying and neutering address the root issue,” the post read.

Leadership then went on to state dogs continue to be brought into the community from outside sources by both band members and non-band members. They also said Gamble is a BOCN member who offered his support for dog control ‘out of genuine concern for community safety.’

Others reacted online calling for the community to pressure leadership for a ‘humane, long-term dog management plan.’

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell