RAWDON, Que. — Humane Society busts puppy mill and finds 109 dogs, seven cats and a rabbit

THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Humane Society busted a puppy mill north of Montreal on Friday and seized 109 live dogs, seven cats and a rabbit.

Other dogs were found dead.

"This is one of, if not the largest, puppy mill raids conducted in Quebec in more than 10 years," said Alanna Devine, acting executive director at the Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"I hope that this will open the eyes of Canadians to the cruelty of the puppy mill industry and the gravity of this problem in Quebec. This demonstrates why we are known as the 'puppy mill capital of North America'."

The dogs were living in piles of their own feces, and many had open sores and severe skin conditions.

Skeletal remains were found still locked in cages inside the home, and a pile of burned animal remains was found in the rear of the property.

"The conditions at this puppy mill were by far the worst Humane Society International has ever seen," said Rebecca Aldworth, director of animal programs for Humane Society International Canada.

"These animals were living in tiny wire cages stacked on top of one another with little or no access to food or water. Ninety per cent of the dogs we rescued were severely emaciated, and many needed immediate medical attention."

The live animals were taken to the Montreal SPCA.

Nobody has been charged.