Small-breed dogs rescued in Winnipeg now available for adoption after seizure

A first batch of small-breed dogs rescued by the province during a seizure earlier this month are now up for adoption at the Winnipeg Humane Society. The dogs were removed by Manitoba’s veterinarian and animal welfare office while searching a home north of Winnipeg on Aug. 1. Many of the 137 dogs seized were in distress and unsanitary living conditions and needed medical attention, a spokesperson for the province told CBC News previously.

After spending just over two weeks at the Winnipeg Humane Society’s care, the animal shelter is opening up adoptions for dogs who are „healthy and old enough“ to find a new home, the organization said in a news release Monday. Carly Peters, director of communications for the Winnipeg Humane Society, mentioned that they currently have three dogs on the adoption floor, with one possibly being adopted soon.

The mixed-breed dogs up for adoption, two males and a female, are around the one-year mark in age. They have all been medically cleared and spayed or neutered, making them ready for adoption fairly quickly. However, many of the small-breed dogs rescued are not yet up for adoption as they still need to be spayed or neutered. Some of these dogs will also be transferred to partner rescues due to the overwhelming number of animals in the Winnipeg Humane Society’s care.

The Humane Society is currently at critical capacity, with over 200 animals in their care and 250 animals in foster homes. Despite getting a few dogs out for adoption, there are still many more animals in need of homes. The organization couldn’t confirm if the seized dogs were rescued from illegal backyard breeders or puppy mills, but they are calling on the province to crack down on these practices.

The province’s investigation into this case is still active, with no updates provided at this time. Adoptions for the rescued dogs will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis, and those interested can meet the dogs at the Humane Society’s centre at 45 Hurst Way. It is heartwarming to see these dogs getting a second chance at a loving home after their difficult start in life.