Ottawa Valley: Woman charged with animal cruelty after 38 dogs rescued

An Ottawa Valley woman has been charged with animal cruelty after 38 dogs were found in what the head of a local rescue agency described as “traumatic” conditions.

Police were called to a home in Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan on Tuesday afternoon where they found the dogs. They called Laura Pelkey, president and founder of Riverview Rescues, who said she reacted with “horror and disgust” at what she found on the property.

“They were locked in cages in absolute filth,” he said. “All the males were caged and the females just roamed free. It was terrifying.”

Pelkey ​​rescued 22 of the dogs that day and returned twice more last week to retrieve the rest.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about the ones I didn’t get on Tuesday night,” he said. “It’s traumatic. There was a dog with no front legs, there was a dog with an anus sticking out. They are not in good shape.”

Other dogs suffered from tumors and facial bites. All of the dogs examined by a veterinarian had Lyme disease, she said.

The OPP said in a news release Monday that 40-year-old Tracy Knight has been charged with animal cruelty. He is also charged with causing harm or injury to an animal by failing to provide adequate food, water, care or shelter.

He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Killaloe, Ont. In May.

“Killaloe OPP extends a sincere thank you to Riverview Rescues who were instrumental in rescuing and providing care for the surrendered dogs,” the OPP said in their release.

Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Township is located approximately 180 kilometers west of downtown Ottawa.

Dogs need foster homes

Pelkey ​​and her all-volunteer organization jumped into action, looking for foster homes or other rescue agencies to help.

Of the 38 dogs, 18 went to other rescues and one was placed in a foster home. Riverview Rescues still has 19 dogs who are looking for houses.

Because they all have serious behavioral and health issues, none of the dogs will be available for permanent adoption, Pelkey ​​said, but there is still an immediate need for foster families to care for them.

“They’re all really good dogs. They’re just so scared,” she said.

Pelkey ​​described the property as a backyard breeder, also called a puppy mill.

“People who buy dogs and don’t do the proper research are supporting the industry,” he said.

He said most of the dogs were Siberian Huskies. There are also German shepherds. They range in age from five days old to 11 years old.

“We try to get them used to a normal life without being locked in cages without water or daylight,” he said.

Anyone interested in fostering one of the dogs can apply this form.