Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised.
A man has been charged with bestiality after being accused of sexually assaulting a horse on a Vernon, B.C., farm earlier this year.
Seth Christian was scheduled to appear in Vernon court at 9:30 a.m. On Thursday.
Discovery of the Incident
Abigail Equestrian owner Erica Van Meenen discovered surveillance footage in January that allegedly showed a man sexually assaulting one of her horses. Van Meenen and her 10-year-old son were at home when they received notifications from the farm’s security cameras.
According to Van Meenen, a clip showed her horse, Yola, appearing alert to a presence. A subsequent clip allegedly showed a man walking by.
Police Investigation and Reaction
Vernon RCMP were called to the property. Van Meenen recounted watching the footage with an officer, describing the officer’s reaction as one of shock. She stated she herself was in shock following the discovery.
On Thursday, Van Meenen told Global News that she was relieved something was finally happening after processing the event.
“There’s a lot of people out there who were quite triggered by the situation, and it brought up a lot of trauma for other people,” she said. “So it’s relieving for not just myself and the horses, the owners of the horses of my property, but also the general public, as people are upset like this. It just is not acceptable.”
Van Meenen expressed a desire to spot Christian prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Van Meenen stated that she has since installed a new camera system, with each horse’s paddock now monitored individually. She reported that Yola appears to have returned to normal.
However, Van Meenen also expressed feeling uneasy in her own home and noted her disappointment that charges related to nighttime trespassing were not initially included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Seth Christian been facing?
Seth Christian has been charged with one count of bestiality.
When and where did the alleged incident occur?
The alleged incident occurred on January 24 at Abigail Equestrian in the BX area of Vernon, B.C.
What was Erica Van Meenen’s initial reaction to discovering the footage?
Erica Van Meenen said that she and the RCMP officer watching the footage both reacted with shock, stating, “The officer’s face just dropped. We both said, ‘Oh my God.’”
What role do you think increased security measures play in addressing concerns about safety and privacy on rural properties?
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