'I almost gagged': Condition of dogs sold through online auction in Manitoba sparks investigation

The chief veterinarian's office is investigating a case of potential animal abuse or neglect after a Manitoba animal rescue said it saved two dogs in emaciated conditions that were being sold through an online auction house.

The dogs, a male and a female, were covered in feces and urine, had multiple infections and were severely underweight, according to the group that saved them.

"The male is so bad that he might have lifelong problems with his ears. The ear canals were so swollen that we could barely look inside," Wild Willow Ranch and Rescue owner Candice Cronin said. 

The animals were part of a February consignment sale at Grunthal Auction Services, which listed more than 20 dogs for sale. 

Cronin said photos of the two Bernedoodles listed on the site appeared to show the animals in bad shape, which sparked concerns. They won the two dogs in the auction for $135 each. Dogs listed that day from other sellers went for as little as $11. 

Cronin said alarm bells began to ring as soon as they attempted to arrange pick-up with the listed seller:

"We really wanted to be there to see the condition of the dogs, the environment if there were any other dogs there," she said. "They refused."

Cronin said she was shocked when they picked the dogs up from the seller.

"We opened up the the van and I almost fell over," she said. "I almost gagged, the smell of them was just overwhelming. It was quite appalling. I was quite surprised."

Cronin, who has worked in veterinary medicine for the past 20 years, said both had ear infections, were covered in matted fur, feces and urine, with yeast infections in their paws. In addition, the female was vomiting up hair balls and garbage.

"The owner had admitted to us that they were feeding them just whatever was leftover from the pigs and cattle that they slaughtered," she said. 

Cronin immediately started documenting everything in writing, pictures and videos that were turned over to the chief veterinarian's office.

"We have assigned an animal protection officer to conduct an inspection regarding the concerns you have for these dogs," part of the email obtained by CBC News reads. 

Cronin said it could be months before both dogs are well enough to be adopted.