On January 22, 2020 the neighbour of a property on County Rd 121 in the Township of Minden discovered approximately 14 short haired, beagle type dogs chained to small huts, outdoors. There was no food or water in sight and they were on short chains. Many of the dogs looked emaciated, some had sores and they were living in their own waste.

https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/inspectors-investigate-after-video-shows-skeletal-dogs-in-cold

The neighbour immediately called OPP and the PAWS animal hotline to report. The OPP responded immediately and went to the location. While an investigator from PAWS (Josh Vettor of the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes) responded by telephone, but did not attend to the dogs until January 26. This is unacceptable considering the freezing temperatures, which historically is around -16C for the region at this time of year. The owner, who does not live on the property, was not charged and the dogs remain at the location. The investigator did not fulfill his obligation to protect these poor dogs.

We cannot allow the animals of Ontario to continue receiving the poor protection they have received in the past. This is a poor example of the new system and it must be addressed immediately. The new PAWS Act is not effective if it is not enforced and steam lined to protect animals.

We ask that the provincial government and local municipality open an investigation into why these dogs were allowed to remain on the property and why the owner was not charged with cruelty.