**** NS SPCA Media Release

35​ Dogs and Puppies Seized from Puppy Mill

Update: (Info via NS SPCA)

The owner of 35 dogs and puppies seized from a puppy mill near Wolfville has appealed the seizure to government-appointed Animal Welfare Appeal Board.

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Under the new Nova Scotia Animal Protection Act owners can appeal to the Animal Welfare Appeal Board to determine if the seizure was lawful. The hearings are open to the public.

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The Animal Welfare Appeal Board will hear the appeal:

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Date: December 30​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Location: The Futures Inn, 30 Fairfax Dr, Halifax, NS B3S 1P1

Time: 9:30am

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At the hearing, the Board will receive evidence in the form of written and / or oral testimony.

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Criminal charges can proceed regardless of the appeal board ruling.

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Update:

With Christmas so close, we wanted to thank you and give you a happy update. ? The 35 puppies and dogs rescued are receiving the medical care and love they need. They’re learning to relax and find comfort in their new surroundings. Thank you for giving them a second chance. ?

The youngest puppies have joined the SPCA WOOF program. WOOF, which stands for Working On Our Future, pairs puppies with screened inmates. ? Under the direction of an expert SPCA trainer, the puppies learn skills and are well socialized. The inmates learn responsibility, patience, and respect – skills that can help change the direction of their lives, too.

Generous animal-lovers, like you, are their Christmas miracle. ✨ We hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones. Thank you ?

*The dogs are still very scared and require intense rehabilitation to assess their future needs. We will not be accepting visitors or adoption applications at this time*

Original post

Following a lengthy investigation by the Nova Scotia SPCA 35​ dogs and puppies have been seized from a puppy mill near Wolfville.​ SPCA officers executed the warrant today accompanied by RCMP. All animals have been removed from the puppy mill and transported to specialized SPCA intake facilities for medical treatment and shelter.

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As of 9:50 AM this morning, Nova Scotia SPCA animal protection officers, accompanied by a shelter and veterinary staff took charge of the animals. “We are triaging the animals to assess their health, and determine which individuals require urgent care,” says Jo-Anne Landsburg, Chief Provincial Inspector at the Nova Scotia SPCA. “Seized animals have been transported to a secure intake facility, where they will receive the care they require. Given the number of animals involved this is an extremely complex operation.”

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A seizure of this magnitude requires the mobilization of a Nova Scotia SPCA staff, the expertise of veterinarians, as well as coordination with our network of shelters to ensure optimal living conditions adapted to the needs of all the animals removed from the premises. “An operation like this is would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our SPCA staff and volunteers,” said Elizabeth Murphy, Nova Scotia SPCA CEO.

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Nova Scotia SPCA enforcement has been working the case since September 2019. It began in response to a report of mistreatment made by visitors to the puppy mill. The SPCA issued compliance orders for several significant problems regarding the psychological and physical state of the animals and their unsanitary living conditions. Animal protection officers subsequently visited with an expert on animal psychology. With the evidence gathered the Nova Scotia SPCA was able to obtain a search warrant allowing them to enter the dwelling where many of the dogs were being kept. This intervention, combined with additional investigation findings, led to the seizure announced today. Charges are pending. This is one of the largest puppy mill seizures in the history of the Nova Scotia SPCA.

Update:

❗️EMERGENCY — 35 dogs need your help ❗️

Today, SPCA Enforcement Officers spent 4 hours rescuing 35 dogs from a puppy mill. One of the largest dog seizures in Nova Scotia — ever. ?

You can imagine life in a puppy mill. The animals are withdrawn and broken, dirty and scared.

Although our resources are stretched, we couldn’t leave the dogs for winter. We put up emergency infrastructure and are providing vet treatment, extensive care, and food for many hungry bellies. ? Because of their emotional trauma and medical needs, we estimate it will cost $20 a day, per dog on their long road to recovery.

Will you be their hero?

Make a gift at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/44936/donation ⬅️

You can change their story of heartbreak into one of hope by donating today. Thank you for your compassionate support!

P.S. If you donate to their care, you will receive personal updates as a thank you for your gift. ?

*The dogs are very scared and require intense rehabilitation to assess their future needs. We will not be accepting visitors until the appeal window has elapsed. Adoptions are not being considered at this time.*

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Providing for the medical treatment, shelter, care, and feeding of 29​ dogs and 6 puppies will be a significant expense for the Nova Scotia SPCA. Typically the Nova Scotia SPCA would intake less than 4 dogs in one day. Animal-lovers who want to help sponsor a dog or support the rehabilitation of the animals are invited to make a donation at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/44936 or text “SPCA” to 4-10-10 to donate $20.