Dozens of Dogs and Puppies Seized in Abitibi-Temiscamingue

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - April 1, 2014) - Today, 59 dogs and puppies were seized by the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region. The rescued dogs include a variety of medium, mixed breeds, including Labrador retriever mixes. Humane Society International/Canada assisted MAPAQ in the seizure.

Ewa Demianowicz, campaign manager for HSI/Canada, said: "It is always distressing to see animals subjected to this kind of neglect. The dogs, mostly medium-size mixed breeds and some puppies, appeared malnourished and dehydrated. Their fur is matted and dirty, and when we arrived on site the dogs were visibly scared and anxious."

The dogs were kept on a private property, where a significant number of animals were kept indoors. Once removed from the premises, rescuers transported the dogs to an emergency shelter where they received veterinary evaluation and care from staff and volunteers. A report of the incident will also be submitted to the Quebec Minister of Justice.

This is the fourth time in eight months that HSI/Canada has assisted MAPAQ in a seizure. These have resulted in more than 250 animals saved.

• Last September, HSI/Canada assisted the Montreal SPCA in a seizure of 84 smaller breed dogs, such as Yorkshire terriers and Chihuahuas, from a commercial breeding facility.
• In October, 80 neglected dogs and puppies - mostly large breeds such as shepherds and huskies - were seized by MAPAQ in Quebec's Abitibi-Temiscamingue region.
• In November, 80 cats were seized by MAPAQ from a property located in Laval after inspections revealed the animals were suffering from a lack of care.

Humane Society International/Canada is always in need of volunteers to assist in caring for the dogs and cats. Members of the public who wish to assist us can fill out this form.

Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, with active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation, farm animal welfare and animals in research. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International which, together with its partners, constitutes one of the world's largest animal protection organizations. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide - on the Web at www.hsicanada.ca