The P.E.I. Humane Society seized 17 husky puppies and two mother dogs from an Island breeder last month.
The dogs were seized on Nov. 24, according to a late afternoon news release on Dec. 13. They were seized because of mistreatment, partly due to the winter temperature drop and wet bedding in their primary enclosure.
The breeder appealed the seizure but could not provide the required environment and temperature in order for the dogs to return. Jennifer Harkness, development manager with the society, said they’re working to educate the breeder on standards of care under the provincial Animal Welfare Act and Canadian Kennel Code.
“We’re still working with the owner to make improvements to his facility. I mean, that’s our end goal.”
Because of this, the Humane Society is choosing not to share the name and location of the breeder during this time, Harkness told The Guardian.
“I would rather not. Because then people would probably figure out who it was."
According to Harkness, the P.E.I. Humane Society had recieved multiple community complaints about this particular breeder's facility. Criminal charges have not been laid on this case, she said.
“Not at the time. But, it’s not to say it can’t happen.”
The puppies were 10 days old at the time of seizure. They had lesions on their chests, legs and paws, and one of them had a nail infection.
Since being taken into custody they've been thriving, Harkness said.
Dog breeding is a legal practice on P.E.I., which Harkness said does continue to be problematic, especially in the winter months.
“There’s lots of responsible breeders on the Island,” she said. “We want to make sure breeders are aware of what the laws are."
