'Horror and disgust:' Ottawa Valley woman charged with animal cruelty after 38 dogs rescued
An Ottawa Valley woman has been charged with animal cruelty after 38 dogs were found in what the head of a local rescue agency described as "traumatizing" conditions.
Police were called to the home in Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Township on Tuesday afternoon, where they discovered the dogs. They called Laura Pelkey, the president and founder of Riverview Rescues, who said she reacted with "horror and disgust" at what she found on the property.
Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Township is located west of Ottawa near Barry's Bay, Ont.
"They were locked in cages in absolute filth," she said. "All of the males were caged, and the females were just free-roaming. It was horrible."
Pelkey rescued 22 of the dogs that day and returned twice more last week to get the rest.
"It's traumatizing"
"I could not stop thinking about the ones that I didn't get on Tuesday night," she said. "It's traumatizing. There was a dog with no front legs, there was a dog with a prolapsed rectum. … They're not in good shape."
Other dogs were suffering from tumours and bites to the face. All the dogs examined by a veterinarian had Lyme disease, she said.
38 dogs were found in what the head of a local rescue agency described as "traumatizing" conditions. All of the males were caged, in absolute filth.
OPP said in a news release Monday that Tracy Knight, 40, has been charged with cruelty to animals. She is also charged with causing damage or injury to an animal by failing to provide adequate, food, water, care or shelter.
She was released from custody and is due to appear in court in Killaloe, Ont. in May.
"Killaloe OPP offer a sincere thanks to Riverview Rescues who were instrumental in ensuring all surrendered dogs were rescued and are receiving care," OPP said in their news release.
Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Township is about 180 kilometres west of downtown Ottawa.
Dogs need foster homes
Pelkey and her organization, which is entirely volunteer-run, sprang into action looking for foster homes or other rescue agencies to help.
Laura Pelkey, the president and founder of Riverview Rescues
Of the 38 dogs, 18 of them went to other rescue agencies and one was taken into a foster home. Riverview Rescues still has 19 dogs who are looking for homes.
Because they all have severe behavioural and health issues, none of the dogs will be available for permanent adoption, Pelkey said, but still have an immediate need for foster families to care for them.
"They're all really good dogs. They're just so scared," she said.
Pelkey described the property as a backyard breeder, also called a puppy mill.
"People who buy dogs and don't do proper research are supporting this industry," she said.
Most of the dogs are Siberian Huskies, she said. There are also German Shepherds. They range in age from five days old to 11 years old.
A dog with no front legs gets a belly rub and head scratch after being rescued.
"We're trying to get them acclimatized to a normal life, not being locked in cages with no water or daylight," she said.
Anyone who is interested in fostering one of the dogs can fill out this form.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.