90 dogs seized by SPCA from Monteregie puppy mill

As many as 90 dogs have been seized from a large-scale commercial breeding facility in the Monteregie, the SPCA confirmed Tuesday.

The Montreal SPCA and the Humane Society International/Canada seized the dogs, which were mostly Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas in squalid conditions, and they have been placed in the care of the SPCA.

“These dogs were living in unacceptable conditions. For example, the smell of urine and ammonia was extremely strong. And, as there was no health care, they have multiple health issues, including ear and dental problems,” said Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy at Montreal’s SPCA, in a statement. “We are relieved that these dogs will now be provided with the attention and veterinary care that they so desperately need.”

Though the SPCA would not provide many details on the breeder so as not to jeopardize a possible court case, they did reveal the owner had already been fined for breaking Quebec’s animal protection laws.

If found guilty, the owner could face up to $75,000 in fines and face a lifetime ban on owning pets. They would not face any jail time, however.

The Quebec government adopted new legislation called Bill 51 last year, requiring welfare standards for cats and dogs. A permit system will be introduced for facilities of over 15 animals this fall.

Though the laws have improved, said Rebecca Aldworth of the Humane Society International, enforcement remains a problem.

“Quebec remains the puppy mill capital of Canada and it will remain that way until we have stronger laws and better enforcements. The laws have been improved but there’s still a distance to go,” said Aldworth. “On top of that, the SPCA and SPAs here in Quebec have very little money for enforcement. What we need is a properly funded enforcement effort in this province to shut these puppy mills down and to make sure new ones don’t set up.”

The SPCA will nurse the animals back to health and will inform the public if and when the 90 seized dogs will be available for adoption, which they hope will be in the next two weeks.