P.E.I. Humane Society welcoming donations after seizure of 43 dogs from Island home

Animal protection officers on P.E.I. seized more than 40 dogs from an Island home under the Animal Welfare Act.

The seizure on Feb. 5 resulted in dozens of animals being removed from the home and in need of care. Officals say not many details are being released while the situation is still under investigation.

Ashley Travis, development and communications co-ordinator for the P.E.I. Humane Society, said the seizure has also prompted a greater need for support and supplies. Extra hours have been logged at the shelter since the dogs were brought in and foster homes have been instrumental in the process, she said.

“We, of course, don't have the space physically here at the shelter to house that many animals on top of the animals that we have being brought in for other reasons,” she said.

"Our foster network is what we rely on in situations like this to help support the care of the animals that we have here at the shelter, so we can focus on the animals that might be part of the investigation.”

She said the shelter’s administrative team is working with foster homes and potential adopters, but the influx of animals “slows things down.” When this many animals are surrendered, there is a procedure followed that includes photographing each animal and noting distinguishing characteristics including colour, size and health, which Travis said “requires a large team.”

Travis said anyone who would like to contribute to the cause should look to the shelter’s social media where more information will be posted detailing the resources the humane society needs. Donations can also be made through the humane society’s website.

Few details about the case have been made public as the investigation continues. Travis could not disclose the location of the seizure or provide information on the condition or breed of the animals.

Whether the investigation could result in charges is also unknown so early, but Travis said animal protection officers are “actively working on the case.” 

“Because cases can be so fluid and because of the nature of an investigation, timelines are impossible to predict,” she said.

Travis said the humane society most commonly becomes involved in situations like this recent seizure through tips from the public.

“We can't show up to a case if we don't know something is happening, so we rely on the public to put in a report, at which point we begin investigating,” she said. 

Community support since the seizure has been “absolutely wonderful,” Travis said, and support has come from as far away as Ontario.

When there is a need people step forward to help, she said.