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Update on the status of the sled dogs in Central Ontario

As a result of the concerns, Orders were issued under the authority of provincial animal welfare legislation
Village Media
2018-01-29 Windrift Adventures screen shots
Video screen shots depicting the condition of the dogs and their living spaces at Windrift Adventures in Oro-Medonte

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO SPCA
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The protection and care of the sled dogs is the Ontario SPCA's top priority and we continue to take action to ensure the dogs receive the care they require.

‎We thank the members of the public who, concerned about the welfare of the dogs, made reports to 310-SPCA. Ontario SPCA officers attended the property on January 29, 2018 and several areas of concern were identified.

As a result of the concerns, Orders were issued under the authority of provincial animal welfare legislation. ‎The Orders include requirements to provide adequate insulated shelter, clean potable water and appropriate feed, as well as veterinarian assessments of the dogs. 

Issuing an Order is part of the legal process we must follow under provincial animal welfare legislation. The purpose of issuing an Order is to improve the well-being and/or living conditions of animals. The owner of the animals is required by law to comply.

Currently, the Ontario SPCA is ensuring that the dogs receive veterinary assessments. The outcome of these assessments could result in additional Orders being issued to the owners‎ of the dogs.

Our officers continue to oversee and monitor the conditions for the dogs to ensure the concerns are corrected and the dogs have the proper care and living conditions.

As the investigation progresses, we will continue to provide updates regarding the welfare of these dogs.

Important Information for the public regarding the sled dog case in Central Ontario:

To clarify the legal authority of the Ontario SPCA, according to provincial animal welfare legislation, an animal can only be lawfully removed from its owner when:

  1. A veterinarian has examined the animal and has advised the officer in writing that the health and well-being of the animal necessitates its removal;
  2. The officer has inspected the animal and has reasonable grounds for believing that the animal is in distress and the owner or custodian of the animal is not present and cannot be found promptly; or
  3. An Order respecting the animal has been made and the Order has not been complied with.

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