60 puppies, dogs seized in July raid to be sent to shelters
The majority of the 72 dogs and puppies seized from a rural Edmonton home late last month are heading to rescue shelters.
The city confirmed on Friday that Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre will be sending 60 puppies and dogs to shelters. As of Friday, the process has already started with the majority heading to the Edmonton Humane Society.
The city is working on where to send the remaining canines.
Twelve dogs and puppies will be staying behind at the centre until they are ready to be moved. The city says they won’t be speaking about the conditions of the dogs because of the ongoing investigation.
City police, along with animal care and control officers, went to a rural property near 247 Avenue and 18 Street on July 26 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, a popular small dog breed. 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.
Catherine Stevenson, director of operations at the Edmonton Humane Society, said in a media release that the dogs will first be examined before any other steps are taken. She said most likely the animals will be placed in foster homes until they are spayed and neutered.
“Our team is working diligently to ensure these dogs can be adopted as soon as possible for their optimal health and welfare,” Stevenson said. “As there is a large number of dogs who will require surgery, and many that are currently too young to be separated from their mothers, we cannot provide a timeline for when they will be available.”
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, 57, 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. Sears is scheduled to appear in provincial court Monday.