Foster parents needed for rescued mutts

Kristine Berey

In two separate raids on puppy mills in Quebec, 275 animals were rescued from living, and possibly dying, in squalid conditions. The potential pets, mostly dogs, are being housed at the Montreal SPCA’s emergency shelter and are receiving medical care.

Advocates have a message for would-be pet owners: don’t buy live animals from pet stores or on the Internet. “Animals from puppy mills are mostly sold online or in pet shops. If you want to stop puppy mills, don’t buy from them,” said one volunteer as she was hosing down animal cages outside the emergency shelter. Inside the shelter, other volunteers were in the midst of “processing over 100 dogs,” many of which were in need of medical treatment.

Some of the dogs, including a variety of small and large breeds, will become available for adoption within the next few days. Others need time to heal from the effects of gross neglect, and need a foster home until they become healthy enough for a permanent home. People willing to adopt, foster, or volunteer with the SPCA are urgently needed because of the recent crisis, but throughout the year there is a severe shortage of people available to help. Fostering allows another chance at life for animals that are too young or have temporary medical conditions that prevent them from being adopted.

To foster or adopt an animal rescued in the recent raids call Jenn Colahan at 514-739-4444. To volunteer call Anita at the same number. The SPCA can be reached at 514-735-2711.