Huskies removed from Highlands East property


By Jenn Watt

Published Feb. 27 2019


Twenty huskies are in foster locations following a visit by police to a Highlands East property.


Haliburton Highlands OPP had been on the property on Friday Feb. 22 on an unrelated matter when they noticed the dogs which "appeared to be in poor condition and needing some assistance." They took photos of the dogs while they were there according to a press release from Bancroft OPP.


The Bancroft OPP got involved the following day when they received a call about trespassing on a Dyno Road property.


“The complainant advised that there were individuals that had been walking on his property” the press release says. “Bancroft officers attended and spoke with officers of the Haliburton Highlands OPP who were lawfully on the property the day before serving a court process on an individual for an unrelated matter.”


On Saturday police located the huskies which were tied to dog houses and determined that the owner was getting help from the Siberian Husky Assistance and Rescue Program or SHARP. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was also contacted.


A SHARP spokesperson confirmed that they helped with the dogs.


“The dogs were retrieved from one private property at the request of the local OPP” reads an email from SHARP.


“We fortunately had some local help moving dogs out to foster locations. The dogs are now all under SHARP’s care and all are doing well and getting vet inspections.”


There is a GoFundMe page set up to assist with the work done by the rescue organization: https://www.gofundme.com/u9v8x82k


The OSPCA confirmed that they are aware of the incident and are assisting police.


“We would like to assure the public that steps are being taken to get these dogs the care they require” said Melissa Kosowan communications representative for OSPCA.


Bancroft OPP say the dogs will be up for adoption to good homes.


The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been laid.