Walters v Red River Exhibition Association, 1997 MBQB 22799

Walters initiated a private prosecution against RREA alleging that the accused was encouraging and aiding animal fighting – alligator wrestling. The judge at first instance granted a ‘no evidence’ motion, dismissed Walters’ claim, and ordered Walters to pay $2500 costs.

Walters appealed both the dismissal and the award of costs. The appeal judge quickly dismissed the appeal, finding no merit to the appeal. The trial judge was given deference, and as they found no evidence of fighting during the alligator show at the exhibition, the charges were rightly not made out.