edmontonsun.com

Sat, June 3, 2006
50 dogs running amok on acreage
SPCA seizes six animals; investigation continuing

By MAX MAUDIE, EDMONTON SUN

The SPCA seized six dogs from an acreage yesterday after complaints a huge pack was living there in such squalid conditions they were eating the carcasses of other canines.

Officers from the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals toured the rundown acreage, just south of Buck Lake, 151 km southwest of Edmonton, with a veterinarian.

"We did have six dogs removed from the property, and they're being treated by a veterinarian," said Morris Airey, the society's director of enforcement.

"We're continuing the investigation with the rest of the dogs."

Airey said the dogs were seized for various reasons, adding there were more than 50 on the property.

"Some had eye problems, and a couple had injuries to their head area, undoubtedly from fighting with other dogs. There was also one blind dog."

He said investigators were alarmed by the number of dogs on the property and the condition of the six that were seized.

On Thursday, Donna McPherson, 69, maintained all her dogs were healthy and happy at the property she rents, saying she makes sure they're fed and vaccinated.

McPherson, who said she carries a red whip to keep the dogs from fighting over food, told the Sun she didn't know dogs would eat a dead dog.

"They didn't die because they're diseased," she said at the suggestion it was unhealthy for the dogs to eat their own.

"They died because an a--hole hit them."

Dogs frequently run onto the road as traffic drives by.

She admitted she had too many dogs, and said she's been trying to sell some, or give them away, through classified ads. She said two dogs went blind after drinking antifreeze.

McPherson, who lives alone, said the canines are "all I've got."

Kevin Dutfield, 27, a self-proclaimed dog rescuer, toured the place Thursday and left with three puppies. He'd responded to a McPherson ad.

Outraged at what he saw, Dutfield phoned the SPCA to complain.

Yesterday, he was pleased to hear some of the dogs had been taken away.

"I'm happy that they started, but the dogs are still breeding."

The SPCA investigation could lead to fines up to $20,000, and a ban on McPherson owning animals, said Airey.

Dutfield said that would be too much.

"I don't think anyone should not be allowed to have animals, unless they intend to do harm," he said.

"Maybe she means well. Maybe she doesn't understand that she's not doing well."

The investigation is expected to be finished by next week.
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