The owner of Playful Paws Pet Centre has been charged following the death of 14 dogs at the Saskatoon kennel last September.
Dawn Loessin, who lost her shepard-husky mix Linc, knows nothing can bring him back, but news of the charge is a relief.
“I was just elated, which I know sounds weird. Then I took a deep breath of relief. This is going to happen, this is awesome,” Loessin said from her Saskatoon home.
WATCH BELOW: Dawn Loessin, whose dog Linc died at Playful Paws, reacts to news that charges have been laid against the owner
A roof-top heating system malfunctioned, causing the temperature to rise in one of the boarding rooms.
An investigation by Saskatoon police and the Saskatoon SPCA determined the dogs died as a result of heat stroke and dehydration.
The investigation also found that the dogs had no water and were left unattended overnight.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
READ MORE: 14 dogs die of heat exhaustion in Saskatoon after heater in kennel malfunctions
The owner, a 50-year-old man, has been charged with negligence under the Animal Protection Act. He could face up to a $25,000 fine, two years in jail or a combination of both.
That’s unlikely according to SPCA executive director Patricia Cameron.
“It’s really hard in Saskatchewan to say what penalties will be levied against people who are found guilty of these things. There is generally a perspective that the penalties can be quite light.”
READ MORE: ‘Glaring’ issues previously brought forward to Playful Paws months before 14 dogs die
The tragic incident brought awareness to the fact that there are no legal requirements for kennels, trainers and groomers in the province, only recommended codes of practice.
The Playful Paws owner will appear in Saskatoon provincial court on March 29.
Loessin says she and her husband will be there.
“I want him to know Linc belonged to somebody, Linc was loved by somebody and now Linc is missed by somebody.”