Affidavit tells different story about Yukon kennel owner's euthanized dogs

Yukon kennel owner Shelley Cuthbert whoseanimal rescue facility has been at the centre of a dispute with her Tagishneighbours has filed an affidavit in court saying she surrendered just four dogs to officials last month, and not 10 as she earlier claimed.

Cuthbertis under a court order to forfeit all but two of her more than 50 dogs to territorial authorities over the coming months. She is required to hand over 10 each month to the Animal Health Unit, until May. The first batch of animals was due on Feb. 15.

The latest affidavit, filed Feb. 27in the Yukon Court of Appeal, saysCuthbertgave four dogs to the Animal Health Unit last month. Anothersix, it says,werereturned to their previousowners. Cuthbertmaintains the animals had behavioural issues and could never be adopted out.

The affidavit also says that all 10 of those dogs were ultimately destroyed but not all of them "in my arms," as Cuthbertinsisted toCBClast month.

• Yukon kennel owner says she euthanized 10 dogs to comply with court-ordered surrender
• Kennel owner didn't need to kill dogs, Yukon humane society says

"The previous owners of sixdogs stepped up so I would not have to be the one to euthanize their dogs," the affidavit reads.

"I apologize to the courts for not handing over 10 dogs to Animal Health Unit to be euthanized. I felt it was reasonable to allow the original owners that honour of holding their dogs while they took their last breath.

"I did not release this information to the media and [her neighbours' lawyer]for confidentiality and privacy reasons. I felt it was more important to release the information to the courts."

Dogs 'sacrificed their lives'

Cuthbert's appeal ofthe original court order is expected to be heard in May.

In the meantime, she's asking the court to lift the requirement that she forfeit more dogs to the Animal Health Unit. She says she has "secured a temporary location to place the dogs while waiting for the appeal," the affidavit says.

It says the 10 dogs killed last month"sacrificed their lives to save the healthy dogs in hopes I do not have to make the decision to euthanize any more innocent dogs due to the orders."

"I am requesting this variance so I can ensure no more dogs lose their lives."

As the court order stands, Cuthbertmust forfeit another 10 animals to authorities next week.