‘Absolutely horrible’: Ontario rescues care for 25 dogs dumped in fields across the province

Dogs that were abandoned in southern Ontario were photographed in this undated image. (Courtesy: Mattie's Place)

This story contains details that may be disturbing to some readers.

Animal rescue organizations across southern Ontario are rallying to care for 25 small-breed dogs that were found abandoned in terrible condition across multiple rural areas.

The dogs, believed to all be Shih Tzus, were discovered in different fields over the last week. Rescue officials believe it was a coordinated effort by a puppy mill trying to dispose of the animals.

“Clearly a backyard breeder or puppy mill has dumped them, presumably thinking that if they dumped small amounts, it would go more unnoticed and wouldn’t be connected,” said Denise Angus of Mattie’s Place, a Toronto-based rescue.

Shelters across the province first took in the dogs before they were transferred for more specialized care. Mattie’s Place took in 11 of the dogs from those shelters: seven were from Hillside Kennels in Innerkip and four were from the Cambridge and District Humane Society.

Fur Warriors, a Cambridge-based rescue, took in four dogs that were discovered in Hamilton.

The rescues said all 25 dogs are suffering from severe, similar medical and psychological issues.

“Absolutely horrible. It didn’t matter whether it was Hamilton or Cambridge - they’re all in the same condition,” said Ashley DaSilva of Fur Warriors.

The dogs’ fur is heavily matted, they have open wounds and are suffering from sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious skin disease that requires immediate isolation and treatment. Many also have severe eye and ear infections, hernias and “cherry eye,” a condition where a gland prolapses from the dog’s third eyelid.

Beyond the physical trauma, rescue workers said the dogs’ behavior suggests they didn’t receive much love.

“This is why we know they come from a puppy mill—when they’re so terrified of human interaction, daylight, sights, sounds, and smells,” DaSilva said. “That tells us they were locked up somewhere, probably with no windows.”

The incident has prompted a warning for those looking to become a pet owner. DaSilva cautioned against using puppy mills to purchase pets.

Despite their traumatizing past, rescue workers said the dogs are beginning to show signs of resilience.

“They are scared, but their tails are wagging, and they’re trying,” Angus said. “I think sometimes dogs know when they’re safe or things are about to get better.”

The Ontario Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) has been notified and is investigating the case. Anyone with information regarding the abandonment or the origin of the dogs is urged to contact provincial authorities at 1-833-926-4625.

Both Mattie’s Place and Fur Warriors are currently accepting public donations to help cover the extensive veterinary and rehabilitation costs required before the dogs can be up for adoption.