The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is investigating after an anonymous tip led to the recovery of almost 40 animals, left outside in the extreme cold on Friday, in rural Milton, Ont.

The temperature on Friday in Milton fell well below -20C with wind chill. An extreme cold weather warning was issued by the Halton Region Health Department for that night, advising residents to be wary of the intense cold.

And it was in those frosty conditions that Laura Mackasey — an Oakville and Milton Humane Society animal protective services manager and OSPCA agent — obtained a search warrant after the anonymous caller tipped the humane society off to concerns about a donkey on the property.

When Mackasey arrived on the scene, near Trafalgar Rd. and Hwy. 401, alongside a local veterinarian and the Halton Regional Police, she did not find a donkey. But she did locate 39 animals in poor condition.

Twenty-seven live dogs were found on the property — some a fresh litter of puppies just 8-10 days old, four others pregnant females at full term. Mackasey also found 10 rabbits on the property, which were housed separately from the dogs with shelter that was unequipped for the frigid conditions.

The dogs were mostly beagles, according to OMHS Executive Director Kim Millan, along with a few Labrador retrievers. The dogs were housed outside, without shelter, and were found near bowls of water that had frozen over in the cold.

Also recovered were two dead animals — one dog and one cat.

The animals were all removed from the property, a process which took around 7-8 hours according to Millan. The litter of puppies and their mother were taken to a veterinary hospital for immediate attention, while the other animals were assessed by veterinarians.

The animals were all taken back to the humane society, which Millan said was already at capacity with 27 dogs in residence, further stretching the resources of the OMHS.

The OMHS is a registered charity but does not receive any funding from the government or animal welfare organizations, relying instead on financial support from the community.

Some animals were taken in by vets for foster care, but for the time being Millan said the animals will remain at the OMHS.

“Every case, when we look at it, is too many cases,” Millan said. “Whether you’re removing six animals or you’re removing 30 or 40 animals, the amount of planning and work that goes into it is still the same. You never know what you’re going to end up with, at the end of the day.”

Overnight Friday, one of the pregnant dogs gave birth to a litter of seven puppies. Another is expected to give birth within 48-72 hours, Millan said, with the others due in the next couple weeks.

Despite their ordeal, Millan said all the dogs have been “very friendly.”

The rabbits were found with lacerations on their legs, which they are being treated for. One rabbit may require eye surgery.

“All I can say is that we were so happy that we got to the animals when we did,” Millan said. “I can just imagine that poor beagle mum giving birth to her pups in that weather.”

An investigation into the donkey tip which initiated the search is ongoing, and though charges may be laid by the OSPCA, none have been pressed so far.

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In the meanwhile, the humane society and OSPCA are encouraging anyone who suspects abuse of animals to call in a tip. In this case, Millan said, the animals were found far back from the road where they would perhaps never have been found without the call.

“It all came about from one anonymous tip, and that’s what we’re trying to tell people,” Millan said.

“If you suspect the neglect of an animal, please give us a call . . . Because in this particular case, that one phone call led to saving (37) lives.”