‘Incredibly sad situation’: Regina Humane Society rescues dogs from poor conditions

Regina Humane Society says its animal protection officers helped rescue 26 dogs from “deplorable conditions.”

According to the society, a tip came in last Wednesday reporting dogs living in poor conditions, and an investigation was launched alongside the Regina Police Service.

“Animal Protection Officers found 17 adult dogs and 9 puppies living in crowded housing and covered in dirt, urine, and feces,” the society explained.

“A team of officers worked through the night to remove and transport the animals to the Animal Community Centre where they were each examined by RHS veterinary staff.”

The dogs, which were of various mixed breeds, were cleaned and groomed, as their fur was badly matted and debris was found in their ears, noses and eye areas. Photos shared by the humane society show the canines in cramped and dirty conditions in a wire and plywood kennel surrounded by high weeds.

Many of the animals were displaying signs of injury and extreme fear, the society said, and some of them needed to be put down.

“Unfortunately, humane euthanasia was necessary for 10 of the dogs,” the society explained.

“This is an incredibly sad situation all round,” Lisa Koch, the society’s executive director, said in a statement.

“These dogs were getting only the mere basics of some food and water, but their other needs such as socialization and a clean and healthy living environment were not being met.”

Bill Thorn, director of marketing and public relations with the humane society, said this is a concerning incident.

“This is the first time that I’ve seen a situation with dogs, at least that it involved this many,” said Thorn.

Thorn said some dogs are still recovering in veterinarian care before they go up for adoption.

“We’d like to see these guys get adopted as soon as they are able,” he said. “They’ve been in a terrible situation, and they deserve better.”

Three dogs have been put up for adoption, and one has already been adopted.

“As this is an open investigation, the RHS will not be making any comment on any potential actions that may be taken as a result,” the society noted.

The Regina Humane Society is an appointed enforcement agency for Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act.

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“Despite receiving no funding from the Province in support of this service, the RHS continues to provide enforcement so that animals have the protections they deserve with the best possible outcomes,” the humane society explained.

“The Society reminds the public that they are an important part of protecting animals and encourages citizens to be the voice of animals by speaking out if they are concerned about the welfare of animals in our community.”

Earlier this year the humane society called on the public to adopt and foster more dogs, as it was running out of space to house them despite moving into a larger facility at the start of 2024.