16 dogs and puppies removed from alleged puppy mill
Meaford, ON (CA)Incident Date: Tuesday, Jan 20, 2004
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Thirteen adult dogs and three puppies were removed from a Meaford area residence on Friday 16th January when investigators from the Ontario SPCA executed a warrant accompanied by four officers from the Grey County OPP.
The removal of the dogs, on veterinary recommendation, followed receipt of a complaint from a member of the public who responded to a newspaper advertisement for puppies for sale, and was concerned about the animals' condition.
Investigation revealed the dogs were suffering from many chronic medical conditions such as severe ear infections, eye and teeth problems. It is believed that at least one of the dogs had suffered an ear infection for over a year. All were dirty and matted. The dogs, including Pekingese, Lhasa Apso and Bichon types, spent the weekend at Guelph Humane Society where they received initial treatment and care, and have now been moved to an undisclosed Branch of the Ontario SPCA for ongoing treatment and care.
In addition to the removal of animals, Orders specifying required care were issued by the Ontario SPCA on a further 20 dogs, plus 28 horses and upwards of 100 goats being kept on the same property.
"We will be closely monitoring these Orders for compliance. Charges under the Ontario SPCA Act, which now includes offences relating to breeders of dogs and cats for sale who fail to adhere to standards of care, are pending." said Inspector Jennifer Bluhm of the Ontario SPCA Bruce-Grey Branch, who was assaulted during execution of the warrant by one of the animals' owners. The assailant spent a day in police custody.
In the last seven weeks alone, 100 dogs and nine cats have been removed from three alleged puppy mills by the Bruce-Grey Branch of the Ontario SPCA. "As a registered charity we rely on donations to carry out this vital work and care for the large numbers of animals that have suffered. Your help is much needed and greatly appreciated," said Bluhm.
If you would like to make a donation to the Ontario SPCA call Cathy at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 322. References
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