Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Vernon Matters has blurred the face in this CCTV image (Image Credit: Erica Van Meenan)
By Liam Verster
Horse Assault

Accused in bestiality case given trial options

May 1, 2026 | 6:01 AM

The accused in an alleged bestiality case is due back in court later this month.

Seth Christian was charged with the count in relation to an alleged assault of a horse at a local equestrian centre in January. He was arrested and charged later that month. CCTV images of Christian assaulting the horse were posted on social media.

Christian appeared in Vernon Court Thursday, April 30, to consult with his counsel.

The B.C. Prosecution Service said he is due back in court May 21, where he will choose to go to trial either in Provincial Court or in Supreme Court.

If the accused opts for Supreme Court, he will be given a choice of being tried by a judge and jury, or by just a judge.

Horse Assault
Accused in bestiality case given trial options
2h ago
CARE Project
Local students working to protect Kalamalka Lake from illegal dumping, litter
18h ago
Housing Legislation Impacts
Vernon calling for local data on provincial housing regulation impacts at SILGA
19h ago

Dates for the trial will be determined at a later time.

Christian is not in custody as of time of publication.

by Liam Verster
View Comments

Other Matters

Horse Assault
Accused in bestiality case given trial options
The accused in an alleged bestiality case is due back in court later this month.Seth Christian was charged with the count in relation to an alleged assault of a horse at a local equestrian centre in January. He was arrested and charged later that month. CCTV images of Christian assaulting the horse were posted on socia...
2h ago
Read More
Moving up
UBCO Heat star player heads to Vancouver Bandits
It's a big step up for young UBCO Heat basketball player Jalen Shirley.The Kelowna-based Shirely has been signed to a contract by the Vancouver Bandits.The club said his development with the Heat is a testament to the rapid growth of youth basketball in B.C., even away from the Lower Mainland.Shirely is the UBCO Heat's...
14h ago
Read More
Growing Problem
RCMP warn of surge in illegal e-bike use in West Kelowna
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are stepping up enforcement as high-powered e-bikes and electric dirt bikes become more common in West Kelowna.Police say complaints are rising, particularly involving youth riding on roads, sidewalks and trails with machines that don't meet legal standards. Cpl. Tyrone Wilton says the...
17h ago
Read More
CARE Project
Local students working to protect Kalamalka Lake from illegal dumping, litter
Local high schoolers are taking it upon themselves to protect Kalamalka Lake.As part of the Climate Action ripple Effect (CARE) program, a group of Vernon Secondary Students have put forward an idea to replacing existing signage at key locations with new educational signs about the impacts illegal dumping and littering...
18h ago
Read More
Housing Legislation Impacts
Vernon calling for local data on provincial housing regulation impacts at SILGA
Vernon's municipal leaders are calling for some clarity and data on housing regulations at the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) convention.At the SILGA convention, held in Revelstoke April 29 to May 2, Vernon will bring forward two resolutions for discussion: Provision of Data Concerning the Specu...
19h ago
Read More
Water Conservation Measures
Lake Country implementing water restrictions Monday
The District of Lake Country is bringing in water restrictions after the weekend.Effective Monday, May 4, the municipality will have Modified Stage 2 Water Restrictions in place, meaning people will only be able to water their lawns, flowers, plants and shrubs twice a week:Addresses ending in 0 - Saturday and Wednesday...
20h ago
Read More
Chamber Reaction
Kelowna chamber backs key measures in federal spring update
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce says the federal government's spring economic update includes targeted measures that could help stabilize the economy and address challenges in the Okanagan.The chamber points to a focus on workforce shortages, private-sector growth and cutting red tape as positive steps, along with effo...
21h ago
Read More
New Role
Kelowna mayor named chair of Municipal Finance Authority
Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas is adding another role to his portfolio. Dyas has been elected chair of the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia, taking on a leadership role with the organization that helps fund public infrastructure across the province.The Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia is a co-oper...
21h ago
Read More
No Injuries Reported
UPDATE: BX homeowner staying positive despite significant damages in morning fire
A house in the BX area was was the site of a significant fire Thursday morning.The blaze started at the house in the 6900 block of Pleasant Valley Road shortly after 8 a.m. April 30, causing the road to be closed near the Vernon Christian School. Flames coming from the house on PV Road (Image Credit: Beach Radio Listen...
21h ago
Read More

What Matters

Horse Assault
Accused in bestiality case given trial options
2h ago
CARE Project
Local students working to protect Kalamalka Lake from illegal dumping, litter
18h ago
Housing Legislation Impacts
Vernon calling for local data on provincial housing regulation impacts at SILGA
19h ago
No Injuries Reported
UPDATE: BX homeowner staying positive despite significant damages in morning fire
21h ago
Parks & Public Spaces Bylaw
Overnight sheltering no longer permitted at Hidden Park
Apr 30, 2026