It's an unual story that really demonstrates the desperate need for feed.

The ongoing drought in many areas of the province has taken a toll on hay and pasture conditions.

Alberta SPCA reporting that 70 hay bales that were to be donated to the organization were stolen from a field before Peace Officers could arrange for it to be picked up.

The inccident occured sometime between July 31st and August 5th.

The hay had been illegally cut and baled at the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park just west of St. Albert and has an approximate value of $10,000.

Alberta Environment & Parks made the decision to offer the hay to the Alberta SPCA, however when they went to inspect it all but one of the bales were already gone.

The hay was going to be used to feed livestock in the care of the organization this winter.

Alberta SPCA Provincial Supervisor Stuart Dodds says unfortunately the bales disappeared before we could set eyes on them.

"This would not have been an easy task. Collecting 70 bales would have required a bale picker as well as numerous loads on a flatbed semi-trailer."

The situation is a good reminder to producers to secure winter feed (legally) as soon as possible.

The SPCA notes that if farmers do not have enough feed to get through winter and spring, they may need to take steps to reduce their herds this fall. Allowing animals to starve due to a lack of available feed is not acceptable.

On top of the missing bales, another 11 bales were removed from the park and transported to a rural property prior to the complaint being filed.

Those bales have been donated to the Alberta SPCA and will be used to feed animals seized by Peace Officers this winter.