The owner of a kennel in Thames Centre, Ontario, has been receiving complaints about a home for roughly a year. Tracey Gibson, owner of Hillside Kennels Animal Control, stated that they have received multiple calls at all hours, but by the time they arrive, the dogs are usually gone. Police recently contacted the kennel to execute a warrant at the home, leading to the seizure of a dozen dogs. Gibson mentioned that only one of the dogs is aggressive, while the others are friendly and fairly young. The kennel ended up taking in more dogs than expected, as there were supposed to be only five dogs at the property.
The Ontario Provincial Police had been investigating complaints at the home for the past few months, culminating in a cyclist being bitten near the address, prompting the warrant. The police executed a search warrant at the home with the assistance of the local kennel, seizing all 12 dogs. A 63-year-old individual has been charged under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act for failing to prevent a dog from behaving menacingly and for failing to prevent biting or attacking a person or domestic animal. No Criminal Code charges are anticipated in connection with the investigation.
During the seizure, it was discovered that one of the dogs, Zoe, had recently had a litter of puppies. The kennel found six one-week-old puppies in dirty conditions in the home. Despite the conditions, Gibson stated that all 12 dogs, including the puppies, are in good health. The dogs have all been surrendered to the kennel and will be quarantined until Thursday. It may be difficult to find homes for the dogs, especially the aggressive one.
Gibson emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering dogs to prevent situations like this from occurring. She mentioned that they currently have about 50 dogs at the kennel, including the dozen recently seized. As an animal control facility, they are prepared to euthanize animals if necessary, as it is a harsh reality. Gibson hopes that this incident will raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare.
In conclusion, the kennel owner expressed concern about the challenges of finding homes for the seized dogs, especially the aggressive one. The situation highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation and neglect. The kennel will continue to care for the dogs and seek suitable homes for them, while also emphasizing the reality of euthanizing animals when necessary. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding pet ownership and the need for proper care and management of animals.
