Bancroft OPP says it was a trespassing call that led to SHARP Rescue relocating dogs in Highlands East.
Melissa Kosowan, the Associate Director of Communications with the Ontario SPCA, says that over the weekend Bancroft OPP went to a house in Haliburton County after receiving complaints that a number of Husky-type dogs were being kept outside.
The OSPCA confirmed Wednesday that husky-type dogs have been safely relocated. Bancroft OPP says that Saturday around 7:30 AM officers responded to a complaint of people walking on a Dyno Road property. They spoke with officers from the Haliburton Highlands branch who were on the property the day before serving a court process for an unrelated matter.
According to the police report, while on the property the officers noticed a pack of dogs that appeared to be in poor condition. The OPP says that an officer took photos of the dogs at that time.
Later that day, officers returned and found 20 huskies tied to their dog houses. The police spoke with the owner about the condition of the dogs and found the individual was getting assistance from the Siberian Husky Assist and Rescue Program.
Winterdance Dogsled tours released a statement on Facebook about a video that was circulating on Friday condemning the treatment of the animals, saying “at the owner’s request SHARP, who we endorse wholeheartedly for their amazing work, were already involved with helping these dogs and their owner before the video was posted. The dogs were not abandoned, nor just left tied to trees as reported, they all had dog houses and were receiving support. Saturday we and others helped SHARP relocate the dogs to various foster homes. We are happy to report all the dogs are doing well.”
The dogs have been rescued and will be up for adoption. No charges have been laid at this time.
Written by Phil McCabe