They are the dogs that were left behind when a Peace Officer was killed after he looked into an animal complaint near Priddis.
41 Australian cattle dogs are now in the care of a number of animal agencies. It’s hoped the dogs will soon find new permanent homes.
They're kenneled in pairs, the same roommates they were found with.
Deanna Thompson is the Executive Director with the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, a new agency that doesn’t even officially open for another few weeks.
“Our understanding is they were in a kennel environment, likely for their entire lives, so they are going to need to learn how to be a family pet.” Says Thompson.
Alberta SPCA seized the dogs from the Tangled Spur Ranch just north of Priddis on August 10th.
The animals’ owner, Trevor Kloschinsky was charged in connection with the death of Peace Officer Ron Lazenby. Kloschinsky was a trained animal breeder. He is now in police custody in Okotoks.
Animal control cared for the dogs on-site for a few days, after which they were turned over to rescue agencies.
“A lot of them are quite shy to begin with, I think the hardest challenge will be coming up with the funds to be able to provide for them medically, as well as make sure we find them the appropriate homes,” says R.J. Bailot, “One of them was extremely scared when we got her, she's still a little bit shy, once you have her close to you she just snuggles right in.”
Bailot and Thompson say the dogs will likely be in their care for at least a month, and their non-profit groups are concerned about the cost of caring for the large animals. Housing, feeding, and medically treating the animals will cost more than $500 each.
“They're going to all see a vet within the next week, they'll be spayed, neutered, de-wormed, vaccinated, tattooed, micro-chipped, at which point they'll go into appropriate foster homes to see how they adjust to a home environment.” Says Bailot.
“We're not putting these dogs up for adoption right away,” says Thompson, “we're not looking for adopters for just a couple of weeks, but for foster homes and people to care for these dogs in their home.”
If you'd like to make a donation to help cover the dogs' care and medical bills, please contact the agencies caring for them:
