A local grooming salon that rescued dozens of dogs and puppies from a Woodlands-area breeder has been swamped with support from people looking to adopt the neglected beagles and American cocker spaniels.
“The donations have been great. The people have been great. The support is overwhelming,” said Corinne Walker, helping at the Diamond Edge Dog Salon Monday. “It almost makes you cry.”
The Pembina Highway business is one of a number of groups that took in the animals — some suffering from parasites, tumours and open sores — after they were surrendered by a dog breeder. Manitoba’s chief veterinarian has refused to discuss specifics of the case, but the breeder confirmed Sunday he voluntarily gave up the animals after a provincial inspection.
Ernie Boklaschuk told the Free Press he was unaware his dogs were doing so poorly, and cited a two-year illness as the reason he couldn’t care for them.
The vet’s office has placed the dogs with numerous groups and individuals: 39 are at the Winnipeg Humane Society, 35 are at Diamond Edge and another 15 are at D’Arcy’s A.R.C., among others.
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The phone rang off the hook at Diamond Edge much of Monday, and Walker estimated 50 people called who were interested in adopting, while another 30 stopped by to inquire.
“The groomers’ place, they were piled high with stuff,” said Marj Jamieson, who visited the store. “There was a jar on the counter and it was stuffed full of money.”
D’Arcy’s A.R.C. owner D’Arcy Johnston said he believed conditions at the site qualified as a “puppy mill,” with 16 animals to a kennel. However, he said the dogs he took in are in good shape, with some beagle puppies to go on display for adoption this weekend at the Wal-Mart on Empress Street.
Boklaschuk is not a member of the Canadian Kennel Club, the top registry body for purebred dogs, communications officer Andrew Patton said.
Commercial dog breeders must apply for licences and are inspected every three years, said the province’s chief veterinary officer, Wayne Lees. Inspections are also made unannounced if public concerns are reported, usually within 24 hours.
Lees said about 400 complaints are received annually in Manitoba, not including Winnipeg, and he believes the same number are received within the city. Charges are laid only two per cent of the time, while in a quarter of cases the department works with individuals to improve the situation, he said.
Those who take in neglected animals will foot the bill: Lees said his department lacks the resources to support adopters, nor does it have the cash to do random inspections on all breeders.
Johnston said it’s always preferable to have animals given up voluntarily. If all animals are seized at once, those in life-threatening condition have to be euthanized, while voluntary surrender means they can be taken in phases and placed in good homes, he said.
Winnipeg Humane Society executive director Bill McDonald said people who take in the adult dogs should be ready to put in extra care and affection, and be prepared for possible medical issues.
Want to help?
To adopt a dog or donate:
D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre: 888-2266
Winnipeg Humane Society: 982-2021
Diamond Edge Grooming Salon: 255-4377
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