As temperatures plunged to one of the coldest days on Friday February 13, the Oakville & Milton Humane Society's OSPCA Agents rescued 28 dogs and 10 rabbits from a property in the Trafalgar Road and the 401 area in response to allegations of a puppy mill operation. The rescued animals included a litter of puppies, 4 pregnant females at full term and 2 deceased animals.

The Agents were accompanied by the Halton Regional Police and a veterinarian. The dogs were found living outside, water frozen in their bowls, while the rabbits were housed in inadequate conditions.

The puppies and their mother were taken to a veterinary hospital for immediate attention. All of the animals were examined by veterinarians and are being treated for any health concerns. "These poor dogs and rabbits were living outside without proper shelter during one of the coldest winters we have had. Now they are safe and warm under our loving care " said Kim Millan, Executive Director for the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.

As with any major rescue, it is "all hands on deck" for the staff at the shelter as they worked into the night to help transport, triage, house and care for all the animals. The Oakville & Milton Humane Society more than doubled the number of dogs it cares for with this rescue and without funding from the government or animal welfare organizations to care for the animals, the shelter has been stretched thin. "Removals of this caliber put an enormous financial strain on the shelter as we provide the necessary care and medical attention for the new arrivals and then continue our care for our current shelter family. " said Kim MIllan

Charges may be pending as OSPCA Agent Laura Mackasey continues the investigation this week. "We would like to encourage the public to forward any concerns for animal neglect to the Oakville & Milton Humane Society" said OSPCA Agent Laura Mackasey, "because in this case, 38 animals were saved from just one phone call."

Every animal that is cared for at the shelter is here because of the support of the community. Without this, the animals could not have been rescued from the bitter cold. We have never needed your help more.  Please help us care for the animals by donating. The animals, volunteers and staff thank you.

Book signings: Have your book signed personally by Maria Bell!

Saturday February 21, 10am-12pm, Ren's Pets Depot, Oakville

Following the success of her first coffee table book, Dogs of Oakville, local artist and pet photographer Maria Bell has released the follow up Dogs of Oakville, New Beginnings.

With the original Dogs of Oakville quickly selling out with a limited run of just 500 copies, New Beginings has expanded to release 1,000 copies at $50 each with the proceeds benefitting the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.

Pick one up at the shelter today, or find them at these locations.