By Pete Curtis
Charges are pending after authorities in Calgary busted a dog breeding operation last Friday at an undisclosed location in the city’s northeast.
Thirty dehydrated, and in some cases injured, pit bulls were seized in a joint operation involving the Humane Society, Calgary Police and Bylaw Services.
The Humane Society’s Desiree Arsenault calls the operation an example of what she calls a backyard breeding operation and laments the fact there are basically no standards for breeders.
“When we look at dogs or cats or any animals in this case, we want to make sure they’re kept under a certain standard,” Arsenault tells 660News.
“Right now, nationally and provincially, there are no set standards for breeding other than what’s set by the Alberta Animal Protection Act, which means that animals need to have enough shelter, they need to have enough food, water and space as well as ventilation. They also have to be provided with veterinary care when needed.”
She notes there is a move afoot to set standards for the industry, even if they’re only voluntary guidelines.
“A few different organizations started to raise those standards, or raise awareness around standards that could be developed,” adds Arsenault.
“Just making sure that people abide by those standards would be a great thing to have, a basic practice for everybody to follow.”
She notes that within the city of Calgary, there are no limits as to how many dogs a household can have.
The seizure of the animals, some with lacerations, took place after complaints from neighbours.
The dogs are on the mend and the Humane Society is looking for homes for the dogs as well as donations for their care.
