Rescued Dogs from Abitibi-Temiscamingue Ready for Adoption

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Jan. 16, 2014) - The dogs and puppies rescued from Quebec's Abitibi-Temiscamingue region last November - along with several puppies born after the seizure - have all left the emergency shelter and are being placed for adoption following months of care and rehabilitation.

Ewa Demianowicz, campaign manager for HSI Canada, said: "It is heartwarming to see how much progress these dogs have made, especially when we compare their health and behavior now to the critical condition they were in when we found them. After months of dedicated care from our staff, volunteers and partners, the dogs gained back their strength and trust in humans and are now ready to start their new lives as beloved pets for caring families."

The rescued dogs - mostly large breeds such as shepherds and huskies - were found on a property where even their most basic needs were denied such as access to food, water or proper shelter from the elements. Moreover, due to the conditions in which they were kept, many of the dogs arrived at the emergency shelter with serious behavioral issues and needed expert help with training and socialization. The Ministère de l'agriculture, des pêcheries et de l'alimentation is making as case against the former owner and the matter will eventually go before the courts where a judge will decide what the penalty should be.

HSI Canada and MAPAQ worked with SPAs, SPCAs, rescue groups and humane societies in Quebec and Ontario to find loving homes for the rescued dogs and puppies. People interested in adopting can fill out an adoption form by clicking here.

This dog sheltering operation and rescue was made possible in part with funding, much-needed sheltering supplies, and pet food courtesy of Nestle Purina Pet Care, Royal Canine Kane Vet Supplies, Rolf C. Hagen, Fripe-Prix Renaissance, The Montreal Gazette, The Suburban, The Eric Margolis Family Foundation, Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation, The GreaterGood Foundation, Pampered Pets of Westmount, Canadian Tire Lachute and La Cartonnerie de Montréal.

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 hsicanada.ca.