Rescued Winnipeg dogs in WHS care

Dozens of dogs seized from inhumane conditions at a Winnipeg home may get a second chance.

Animal services officers and Winnipeg police went to a West Richmond home Wednesday to do a welfare check, where they found the dogs.

The 68 Maltese dogs of various ages were living in inhumane conditions, officials said, with puppies covered in feces and injured.

They are currently receiving treatment at the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS), where they are all expected to survive.

“I think we'll have 68 live results,” said WHS Superintendent Jessica Miller.

One of the rescued dogs had her hair cut while being cared for at the Winnipeg Humane Society on May 16, 2024. (Jeff Keele/CTV News Winnipeg)

WHS say that although they can sometimes appear scared and shaky, most are still very social and good candidates for a new owner.

Dogs came to the facility in groups. First they do a physical exam; some may require medical attention.

They then go to the holding area before shaving. They cannot bathe until this happens due to the condition of their fur.

PetSmart's nine pet sitters are volunteering their time to help the dogs.

“Everyone here is giving back and everyone is stepping up to save these dogs,” said Shannon Evans with PetSmart.

One of 68 Maltese dogs seized from a Fort Richmond home is pictured at the Winnipeg Humane Society on May 16, 2024. (Jeff Keele/CTV News Winnipeg)

The dogs' behavior is monitored to determine if they are foster or adoption candidates.

While some of them look scary, most seem social, so some may be ready for adoption next week.

“The behavior of these animals and the fact that they come to our staff and are kept indicates that they would be excellent candidates for adoption,” Miller said.

Meanwhile, the community stepped up to help the Winnipeg Humane Society fund animal care. In the first 24 hours since the case was opened, the organization collected $77,000.

“It makes me emotional. Our phones are ringing off the hook,” Miller said.

No charge by case: WPS

Winnipeg police said no charges have been laid in the case, and WHS will not proceed through the province's animal health and welfare office because the legal system can hold up adoptions for months.

“It's a much longer process. It's a good outcome for these 68 animals,” said Winnipeg Humane Society spokesman Andrew Clarke.

The city also has a pet ownership law that limits people to four dogs.

The city says it's investigating, but no fines have yet been issued.