Adoption on hold for seized puppies
Those looking to adopt one of the 72 puppies and dogs seized over the weekend from a rural Edmonton property will have to wait a little longer.
Chrystal Coleman, a communication adviser with the City of Edmonton, said all 72 dogs are being cared for at the Animal Care and Control Centre.
She said an announcement will be made when the dogs are ready to be transferred to adoption agencies.
“To ensure we don’t compromise the legal proceedings in any way, we will not be releasing photos of the animals or provide detailed information on their health status,” she said in an email.
City police, along with animal care and control officers, went to a rural property near 247 Avenue and 18 Street on Sunday following reports from people looking to purchase puppies that the dogs were being neglected. The puppies had been posted online for sale.
Most of the seized dogs were Havanese. Police said the dogs showed signs of severe neglect and potential illness. Some of the puppies were discovered hidden in a closet and underneath a hutch.
Officials had to use all resources available to bring the 52 puppies and 20 adult dogs to the facility. The case of the 72 dogs marks the largest animal seizure since city peace officers took over the reins of animal protection in February.
Gloria Sears is charged under both the criminal code and Animal Protection Act for causing animals to be in distress and for failing to provide adequate care. She is also facing additional charges under the Animal Protection Act, including causing an animal to be in distress, failing to provide adequate food and water, and failing to provide adequate shelter, space and ventilation.