Humane Society puts out call for help after province seizes 137 dogs

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The Winnipeg Humane Society is asking for the public’s help after the province seized 137 small-breed dogs from a residence just north of city limits.

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Acting on a search warrant last Thursday, animal protection officers found the dogs “in distress, living in unsanitary conditions and requiring medical attention,” a provincial spokesperson said, noting none of the dogs were euthanized.

Unlike the seizure of 68 Maltese dogs from a Richmond West home three months ago, the WHS said the provincial investigation prevents them from providing photos, videos or more details of the seizure and it’s unknown when the dogs – both adult and puppies — might become available for adoption.

There was a “high demand” for the Maltese, all of which survived.

In this instance, the WHS is asking for public donations to provide “medical care, food, and additional staffing required to ensure the well-being of the large volume of dogs and all the animals in our care,” a note on its website said.

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Jessica Miller, WHS CEO, said at a press conference on Tuesday this seizure as well as two other recent ones totalling more than 100, is putting “tremendous strain” on the shelter and staff.

Already on an intake freeze, meaning it can’t accept owner surrenders or strays, WHS has 611 animals in its care, with 281 of those at the shelter. While their policy is not euthanize for space, it’s been forced to shelter animals in groups and use cages, which Miller said causes issues with giving medication among other problems.

“The cleaning alone is a monumental task.”

It’s hoped the dogs will be able to be put up for adoption or be fostered, if needed, when the provincial investigation and potential appeal process is completed which will be a few weeks at minimum.

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After 554 animals were seized under the Animal Care Act in 2022, and 558 the following year, 678 animals have already been seized in 2024.

“How can you help? You can adopt, not shop,” Miller said. “We can’t speak to the particulars of this case because it’s an ongoing investigation with the province … but we know Manitoba shelters and rescues are full due to backyard breeders who go unchecked and continue to cause this overpopulation issue in our province. We implore the public: don’t buy animals online.”

Miller said WHS hopes to work with the province to reimplement a licensing requirement for dog breeders, which she said was enacted in 2012 but shelved during to a lack of finances and resources, “so we can fully investigate backyard breeding operations and penalize those who are violating the act.”

Kevin.king@kleinmedia.ca

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