83 dogs and puppies seized by Sask. SPCA

Dozens of dogs, including five litters of puppies, were seized by RCMP and the Saskatchewan SPCA recently after officials received complaints about animals in distress.

According to police, on June 4th authorities went to a property in the Leslie area, east of Saskatoon and removed the animals.

"They were not being cared for," Frances Wach, executive director of the Saskatchewan SPCA, said Wednesday. "Because in order for us to take the animals into our care or seize them, they have to be in distress."

Wach said the animals did not have proper food, water or shelter.

The SPCA said it received a number of complaints about the property and the state of the dogs.

RCMP Const. Jim Ferguson was one of the officers at the scene when the dogs were seized.

"Most were outside, tied up basically on leashes," Ferguson said Wednesday. "I believe a couple dogs were located inside a residence on the property."

After the dogs were taken away, they were put in the care of the Saskatoon SPCA. The animals appeared to be huskies, wolfhounds and malamutes.

One of the dogs died and the director of the shelter says they now have 82 dogs to look after.

"We did take care of all their parasite concerns," Tiffiny Koback said. "[We] vaccinated them, provided them with medications to treat internal and external parasites."

On Wednesday, the SPCA said they need help because they have never had to deal with so many dogs all at once.

Koback says donations would be welcomed as they are spending about $800 per day on the new arrivals.

As well, volunteers are needed to help providebasic care for the dogs.

"Their coats are filthy,"Koback said. "A lot of them are matted [and] there's fecal matter and urine in their coats. They're in need of a good cleanup."

According to a news release from the RCMP, charges of neglect of animals and causing distress to animals have been laid against a woman from Leslie, Saskatchewan.

April Irvingis to appear in provincial court in Wadena on June 24th.

Police added that other charges may be laid.

CBC News was also told that the owner of the animals has gone to courtseeking the return of the animals. That matter is expected to be beforea judge next week.

Leslie, Saskatchewan, is about 230 kilometres east of Saskatoon.