24 dogs seized from home in Inuvik, N.W.T.

Town officials seized two dozendogs in poor conditionfrom a single home in Inuvik last week.

Protective Services for the Town of Inuvik seized 21 dogs from thehome on July 15, andthree more dogs were captured July 18. Officials says five more dogs are still running free on the property.

It is against a bylaw in Inuvik to have more than three dogs living at a residence unless registered as a dog team or kennel.

Jim Sawkins, director of Protective Services for the Town of Inuvik, saidthe dogs were in poor condition and had acted aggressively in the areainjuring at least one dog in the neighbourhood.

"There were numerous complaints of the dogs being disruptive and aggressive," Sawkins said.

"It was obvious we had to make a move."

Sawkins saidthe town obtained a warrant to enter the property to seize the dogs. Two of the dogs were sent to the NWT SPCA shelter in Yellowknife.

"We sent out a mother that we thought was pregnant. In fact, she wasn't, but she was very ill. She had to have surgery to save her life," Sawkins said.

Nicole Spencer, NWT SPCA president, received the ill dog. She said the dog would have died if it hadn't received treatment.

"She had a bad infection of the uterus," Spencer said by email.

"It is likely from having so many litters and never seeing a vet."

Spencer said the seized dogs are frightened and appear not to be wellsocialized with people. She said the dogs will need lots of positive interactions and patience from staff to get better.

"It is quite sad," Spencer said.

The NWT SPCA will receive six more dogs from Inuvik over the next two weeks.Spenceris seeking suitable foster homes for the dogs. Several are also being sent directly to animal shelters in Alberta.

None of the 24 dogs hashad to be put down.

Sawkinssaid the Town ofInuvikis not seeking charges against the former owner of the dogs.