Arrest in Alleged Animal Abuse

Property owner reports arrest following alleged animal abuse on rural Vernon property

January 26 2026 - Shortly after 7 PM tonight the owner of a rural Vernon property posted a suspect has been arrested following what she describes as a disturbing incident involving her horses.

In a social media update posted Monday evening, Erica Van Meenen, the property owner, said she had been informed by RCMP that a suspect allegedly connected to the incident had officially been arrested.

Security cameras captured an individual inside an enclosed horse pen during the early morning hours

In earlier posts, Meenen alleged her security cameras captured an individual inside an enclosed horse pen during the early morning hours and according to her that individual appeared to have assaulted some of the horses.

She thanked members of the public for sharing information, saying public assistance helped lead to a possible identification.

Earlier today, in a press release, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP confirmed they are investigating a trespassing incident that occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 .

Police say the property owner contacted officers after observing a person trespassing on her rural property.

Officers, assisted by an RCMP Police Dog Service team, conducted an extensive search of the area but were unable to locate the suspect at that time.

RCMP say investigators reviewed security video from the property and allege a criminal offence had occurred within an enclosed animal pen.

“A social media post related to this incident has received significant public attention and has resulted in a large volume of information being provided to police,” said Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. “Investigators actively reviewed this information, and a suspect has been identified. The investigation remains ongoing.”

The police file number for the investigation is 2026-1280.