Montana Jones and Michael Schmidt in Cobourg Court, March 27, 2013

Supporters and media are not being encouraged to show up at the courthouse in Cobourg for the proceedings this Wednesday March 27th. As Karen Selick states in the media release below, the actual trial of this case will be many months in the future. Legal counsel for the defense, however, will be seeking changes to travel restriction which are currently a part of bail conditions. 

Montana Jones, Michael Schmidt, sheep Image via Montana Jones

Belleville—The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) confirmed today that their clients Montana Jones and Michael Schmidt will appear in Provincial Court in Cobourg, Ontario on March 27, 2013 in connection with charges relating to the disappearance of 31 rare Shropshire sheep in April, 2012.

The sheep were scheduled for slaughter by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on suspicion of having a disease called “scrapie” but they disappeared from Montana Jones’ barn before the CFIA arrived to seize them.  A note saying that the sheep had been taken into “protective custody” was found in the barn, signed by a previously unknown group called the Famers Peace Corps.  The 31 sheep were ultimately found and tested negative for an illness called “scrapie.”

Karen Selick, litigation director for the CCF, stressed that the trial is not being held this week: “The trial is still many months in the future.  We have been seeking extensive disclosure from the prosecution since January, but have received only a fraction of what we require.  That is what will be raised with the court this week.”

Selick continued: “Meanwhile, Michael Schmidt and Montana Jones are subject to restrictions on their movements and communications as part of their bail conditions.  We will be seeking changes to those conditions.”

The proceedings will take place at the Provincial Courthouse, 860 William Street, Cobourg, Ontario commencing at 9:30 a.m. on March 27, 2013.