CTV News Montreal

Updated: Wed Nov. 18 2009 7:15:57 PM

ctvmontreal.ca

Nearly 100 dogs that were taken from a sled dog operator in the Laurentians are being cared for so they can soon be placed in new, loving homes.

The SPCA Laurentides-Labelle picked up the dogs on Tuesday near the town of Brebeuf, north of Mont Tremblant.

The dogs were chained to posts and malnourished. Some of them were blind; 30 of them are pregnant.

"This is unacceptable on anybody's standards," said Scotland Haiseley of the Humane Society International.

"These are dogs that are neglected. In the U.S., this would have been a cruelty case."

The SPCA convinced the owner to surrender the dogs. Yves Kirouac says he gave them up because he was being evicted due to noise complaints.

"I would have loved to be able to do some dog sledding this year, but I have nowhere to put them," Kirouac told CTV News in a telephone interview.

He also insists his dogs were properly fed, and says the reason they're so friendly is because he gave them lots of love.

But veterinarian Dr. Robert Aucoin says the dogs were clearly neglected.

"They're underfed ... they haven't been well treated at all," Aucoin said.

Getting ready for adoption

After receiving medical attention, the dogs will be put up for adoption.

The SPCA is already getting calls from anxious animal lovers.

"Lots of people from around Canada and even the U.S. want to adopt," said Corinne Gonzalez, executive director of the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle.

Gonzalez says they've already found homes for most than half of the dogs, but since 30 of the dogs are pregnant, litters of puppies are on the way.

She also points out that it's expensive to pay for food, vet bills and medicine.

"We need donations to be able to provide the best care, and we do give a lot of care," said Gonzalez.

To make a donation to the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle, visit their website at http://www.spcall.ca/.

Comments are now closed for this story

Mark
Another atrocious tale of animal abuse out of Quebec. The man responsible should absolutely be prosecuted- there should be no debate in the matter. It's time for new legislation - laws that would protect against such inhumane treatment of animals. These dogs got lucky - but there are far too many others who suffer unseen at the hands of monsters. A huge thank you to SPCA staff, to volunteers and rescue workers - now that is what being evolved human beings is all about!

NT
This is unacceptable in a civilized nation. Dog sledding should be strictly regulated or banned all together. We need to get rid of these so called (cruel) "traditions". Canada, we must get on with the times!

jouets66
How can people be so cruel

Stuart, Montreal, Quebec
It is disgraceful that our legal system is not set up to deal with atrocities such as this. Time and again we learn of animal abuse and are disheartened to hear that those perpetuating the problem get off scot free, or with minimal fines. It is time to work together, all of us who care enough about the welfare of our four-legged friends and who believe in justice and a caring world, and get the legislation we need to at least minimize the animal cruelty in this province . And, if you can donate your support to the excellent, and largely unseen, efforts of animal welfare groups such as this SPCA, please open your hearts and do so.

Chris
As a longtime volunteer of a large no kill shelter in Quebec it was heartwarming to read the posts regarding yet another horrific case of animal abuse. The "owner" seems to only regret that he won't be able to go sledding this winter - not the lack of care and suffering of these poor dogs.

I know many of you will read this article who also love animals. I urge you to please send letters to your local politicians and demand that they work on changing the laws and that your vote depends on it. In cases like this one, lots of people come forward and express their outrage but don't take it any further. Quebec is THE WORST for puppy mills, lenient legislation and only WE can make it change - and Yes, We Really Can!

I hope that this makes worldwide news and that Quebec is made to react - the powers that be should be ashamed of themselves. Quebec is also one of the VERY few who still allow gassing of animals - how inhumane we are in this province, it makes me sick!

Suzie
Yves Kirouac should obviously have his eyes checked. I have just looked at the pictures of these dogs on the SPCA website and they are definitely not healthy and happy. Some of them are so skinny, which means they froze during our recent cold nights - not to mention being chained up as they were. It is really a tragedy that this jerk will not have to pay for his crime - and it IS a crime! Our province just isn't caring enough to put it in writing - sickening politicians! Time to step up to the plate and change history - I am not proud to be from the province known as the the worst regarding animal abuse.

Ines
I think it's time for these type of individuals to be punished.

Andy
How can we let this happen again? This is so embarrassing to be known has the worst city for abused animal. When is our government going to step up and change the law!

LODI
I can't believe it! It makes me really angry and sick to see this and hear about it . I agree there should be a tougher law against animal cruelty . I have two huskies & they are amazing loving animals, to hear & see those poor dogs neglected like this,makes me really sad, you have my support spca. I think this guy should charged & locked up for a long time.