‘I just couldn’t picture 43 dogs being in one location’: Neighbours rally for pups at Humane Society

A P.E.I. community rallied to help raise funds and foster animals after 43 dogs seized by animal protection officers were taken in by a local shelter.

The P.E.I. Humane Society says a wave of community donations has helped it care for dozens of dogs seized by animal protection officers in a single case earlier this month.

The shelter asked for the public’s patience and understanding as staff worked to accommodate 43 dogs seized under the province’s Animal Welfare Act on Feb. 5. In the days that followed, Charlottetown pet store owner Colin Scales began collecting donations and organizing drop-offs.

“Pets are closer to your heart … I just couldn’t picture 43 dogs being in one location, let alone the conditions that they were in,” said Scales. “We always think of worst-case scenario, whether it’s that case or not.”

Scales organized a fundraiser, gathering almost $7,000 in cash donations. Community members also brought in collars, leashes and beds - and he said the store offered discounts on those items, too.

“It was fun because there were people bringing their kids in, and their kids would literally give us money from their piggy bank,” Scales said, adding contributions ranged from $5 to a couple hundred dollars. “It was just incredible seeing everybody come in.”

The P.E.I. Humane Society says caring for the dogs for an undetermined amount of time is “incredibly resource-intensive.” Though foster homes have opened their doors, staff still have many extra mouths to feed, on top of providing medical care, walks and daily enrichment.

“It’s been a real rallying of the troops here at the shelter,” said Ashley Travis, the shelter’s development and communications co-ordinator. “A lot of staff working extra long hours.”

She could not share details on the seizure because the animal welfare investigation is ongoing, but added it’s been a “really gratifying experience” to see the community step up to support the dogs.

Travis hopes people will continue to report concerns when they see a situation that raises red flags.

“Animal protection officers can’t knock on every single door within the province,” Travis said. “It’s important that when folks see something that they question, or see something that they don’t think is above board, they let us know and file a report with us.”

The humane society says what it needs most right now are enrichment toys, fish oil and probiotic supplements, as well as flea and tick treatments.

Travis added it’s too early to know whether the dogs will eventually be available for adoption.