‘Mind-boggling’ 68 dogs covered in waste rescued from inside filthy Richmond West home

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This article was published 15/05/2024 (542 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Animal Services staff rescued nearly six dozen dogs living in shocking, filthy conditions inside a Richmond West home early Wednesday.

It was the largest animal seizure in the city’s history.

City of Winnipeg Animal Services manager Leland Gordon said officers went to the home on Brentlawn Boulevard at about 1 a.m. at the request of the Winnipeg Police Service, who were there on a different call.

“It’s unacceptable for people to keep animals in conditions like this,” Gordon told a news conference later in the day.

Staff wore hazmat suits as they removed 68 small-breed puppies and adult dogs from the residence, the interior of which was caked with “layers” of feces and urine.

The dogs were covered in mange and had feces stuck in their severely matted hair. Many of the animals were suffering from eye infections, Gordon said.

Winnipeg Police Service spokesperson Const. Claude Chancy declined to provide details, citing an active investigation. Charges under the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw could be laid, Gordon said.

A neighbour living two doors from the home who asked not to be identified said there hadn’t been any noticeable barking recently. Cats had been a problem at the property in the past and there had been visits from the Humane Society.

“It’s so sad. And these are small properties, to know (the dogs) were probably locked up indoors,” said the neighbour.

Garbage littered the Brentlawn Bay home’s front lawn Wednesday, along with stacked plastic chairs and several piles of gravel. A makeshift dog run with plastic leashes hanging could be seen over the back fence.

A couple who have lived on the street for more than 30 years said the home’s owner has been known to own Cavalier King Charles spaniels, a breed of small dogs historically linked to English royalty.

Gordon didn’t say whether the dogs were a product of a puppy mill or hoarding, or whether Animal Services had previously been to the address.

The cost of caring for the dogs could be upwards of $150,000, representing a significant financial strain on both Animal Services and the Winnipeg Humane Society, CEO Jessica Miller said, adding donations to the charitable organization are welcome.

“It’s unacceptable for people to keep animals in conditions like this.”–Leland Gordon

The seizure will also push the occupancy of the shelters past their limits. Animal Services’ “comfort level” is 20 dogs; there were 29 there Tuesday and the population exploded to nearly 100 the following day.

The Humane Society, which often houses in excess of 200 animals every month, will be helping to arrange medical care and fostering.

“We know that people don’t mean to do these things sometimes, and it’s a matter of knowing when to ask for help,” Miller said.

Gordon said the investigation could take several days.

“We’ll be using the mechanisms in our Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw to address this property and what occurred here to the best of our ability,” he said.

“It’s mind-boggling to see this many dogs. These dogs have been through trauma.”

Gordon also emphasized the need to spay and neuter pets.

“The animal population of dogs and cats in Manitoba is completely out of control… shelters and rescues in Manitoba are overwhelmed.

“We all, as Manitobans, need to do more to be responsible pet owners.”

The civic bylaw limits residents to owning own a maximum of four dogs and two cats.

Animal cruelty falls under the provincial Animal Care Act.

Miller said small dogs often suffer from dental issues, and each animal will be assessed. The shelter will take in dogs 20 at a time to assess them medically and provide necessary care.

And the Humane Society may have to look at boarding dogs to ensure all are looked after, she said.

Gordon didn’t say whether any of the dogs were licensed.

The largest previous seizure in the city was in January 2019, when 15 dogs were removed from a house at 716 Home St. A work crew hired to clean up the property afterward discovered three dead puppies hidden in a plastic bin in the garage at the residence.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca