More than a dozen dogs were abandoned in Huron and Perth Counties on March 23 and 24, and the local community is outraged. According to reports, over 12 different dogs were released in Mitchell, Vanastra, and Benmiller. The same black vehicle was seen at all three drop-off sites. Locals have managed to catch seven of the 13 or 14 dogs that were dumped last week, and they are working to find the remaining dogs. It’s unclear who is responsible for abandoning these dogs, but many believe that it’s a backyard breeder trying to capitalize on puppies that were popular during COVID, but now there’s no market for them.
Kathi Newell-Nicholson, who runs Adopt a Pet-Pet Rescue in Lucknow, Ontario, says that the problem of abandoned dogs is an epidemic, and the number of animals they’re being asked to take from puppy mills and overwhelmed breeders is in the double digits over the past couple of months. She is imploring those licensing puppy mills and breeders to stop, as there are already so many unwanted dogs, and families should stop buying dogs from puppy mills to stop the demand.
Local dog lovers are frustrated that this could happen again without finding the owner of the mysterious black vehicle, and it’s no one’s responsibility to help find these dogs that are still on the loose. The OPP and local animal control officers have been contacted, but more needs to be done to find the remaining dogs.
Many people have stepped up to help, including Kelsey Leonard, who is fostering one of the “dumped” dogs. She says, “It’s really sad seeing dogs dumped. They’re lovely dogs. Clearly poorly kept, though. They were in terrible condition. It’s so sad to see.” Gina McDonnell, who saw some of the dogs being dumped, adds, “It’s really sad seeing dogs dumped. They’re lovely dogs. Clearly poorly kept, though. They were in terrible condition. It’s so sad to see.”
If you encounter one of the dogs still on the loose, Newell-Nicholson advises not to chase them, as they will be scared and want to run. It’s crucial to take a calm approach and call a local animal control officer for help.