70 dogs seized from Regina-area farm after animal cruelty investigation

Seventydogs have been seized from a farm near Riceton, Sask, approximately 50 kilometres south of Regina.

Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS) said it took the dogs last Thursday "after a lengthy animal cruelty investigation."

APSS said a veterinarian found problems with the dogs' food, water and shelter that hadn't been fixed after multiple inspections.

The society called the seizure one of the largest in the province's history. It said rounding up the dogs was complicated, because many of the dogswere difficult to capture.

"The temperament on these dogs is certainly challenging,"said executive directorKaleyPugh. "They weren't treated like your normal pet dog that people would be used to having...They're not used to people the same way most people's pets would be."

Owner defends health of dogs

Terry Baker, the owner of the dogs, said there was no reason to seize his dogs.

"[The dogs] didn't leave my property, but they were free to run around my yard get water anywhere they wanted. There was adequate shelter, lots of food," Baker said.

"I've still got 600 cans of food lying around."

Baker admitted that the dog population got out of control, but said he treated the dogs well.

"I like my dogs. I take care of them. I was finding homes for them. They're just sort of like your kids."

Baker still has about 20 dogs remaining on the farm.

Animal Protection Services said it ran out of roomto confiscate all the dogs on the property, and simply couldn't catch them all. It also says the remaining dogs didn't appear to be in distress.

It said there are no plans at this point to seize more dogs, but that could change depending on the circumstances.

Most of the dogs have been brought to animal shelters in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Regina. The society is asking for help to find permanent homes for the animals from animal rescue organizations both inside and outside Saskatchewan.

"The dogs aren't very well socialized," saidPugh. "They're going to need a lot of extra care to get them suitable to be adopted. We're hoping that we don't have toeuthanizeany of them, although that is always a possibility."

It says any rescuegroups who would like to help rehabilitate and socialize the dogs should contact the shelters in Prince Albert, Regina or Saskatoon or the APSS itself.

Charges against the dogs' owner are pending. Aconvictionof animal cruelty comes witha maximum fine of $25,000 and up to 18 months behind bars.