Humane Society International/Canada and MAPAQ Rescue 64 Neglected Dogs From Inhume Conditions East of Montreal


MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - June 15, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Humane Society International/Canada worked with the Québec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under the mandate of ANIMA Québec to rescue 64 dogs and puppies from a commercial breeding operation in the Centre-du-Québec region, located east of Montréal. The animals were seized and removed after multiple investigations indicated the dogs were not receiving proper care.

"This large-scale commercial breeding facility involved some of the most inhumane conditions the HSI Animal Rescue Team has ever encountered in Canada," said Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of Humane Society International/Canada. "It was heartbreaking to see the conditions in which these dogs were living."

The seizure followed an inspection by authorities, in which numerous violations of animal welfare were observed. HSI Canada and MAPAQ promptly transported the dogs to an emergency shelter in Québec to receive immediate care, food and veterinary treatment.

The HSI Animal Rescue team recently worked with the Québec government to rescue dogs from two other inhumane, commercial breeding operations, including the historic rescue of more than 500 neglected dogs from an operation near Shawville, Québec, and earlier this year, 125 dogs were also seized near Québec City.

As part of the update to P-42 (Québec Animal Health Protection Act) regulations, HSI Canada has been sitting on a special task force for nearly three years to assist the Québec government in updating P-42 (Québec Animal Health Protection Act) regulations. The special task force consists of experts in animal welfare, veterinarians and industry representatives, which bring their expertise, research and perspectives to assist MAPAQ in updating the Province's animal welfare regulations.

Please visit www.hsicanada.ca for more information and photos on the dog rescue.

Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, representing tens of thousands of members and constituents across the country. HSI Canada has active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation and farm animal welfare. HSI Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International-one of the largest animal protection organizations in the world, with more than 11 million members and constituents globally-On the Web at www.hsicanada.ca.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120615-HSI_800.jpg

Contact Information:

Dean Pogas
514.261.6007/514.395.2914
dpogas@humanesociety.org

Rebecca Basu
301.258.3152
rbasu@humanesociety.org

HSI Rescues More than 60 Dogs from Quebec Puppy Mill