Almost 100 dogs have been rescued from a puppy farm in Warren.
Groomers and animal lovers volunteered their weekend to saving dozens of dogs after a provincial inspector found the farm late last week.
Kim Kaufman, owner of the Diamond Edge Dog Salon, has taken in many of the older animals, and she told CTV News the dogs are in poor shape.
"You can just imagine what these dogs have gone through," she told CTV News as she was shaving one of the dogs. "These dogs are indoor dogs. They shouldn't be treated like this. They shouldn't be left outside. It's just not fair."
Workers at the business have found open wounds and tumors bulging out of their skin. Kaufmass said many have severe ear infections.
They have also found barbed wire embedded in their fur and wrapped around their paws.
The dogs were also covered in feces and several of the dogs are blind. The dogs need veterinarian care, and Kaufman said many may need to be euthanized.
"I feel sick to my stomach seeing this," said volunteer Cheryl Crick. "I can't believe dogs are being treated this way. It's pathetic."
Breeder surrendered dogs
The breeder wouldn't go on camera but tells CTV News none of his animals were ever mistreated. He's aware that some of the older ones are matted, have vision problems and tumors -- but he refuses to put a dog down. In the last two years ago he said he has become ill, so he chose to surrender the dogs.
"It's one of those situations where a breeder probably started out with the best intentions and then things just sort of got out of hand when you get too many animals and one pair of hands," said Bill MacDonald of the Winnipeg Humane Society, which has taken in many of the puppies and their moms.
The province's Chief Veterinary Office is investigating the case. Officials won't talk specifics, but say in these types of cases charges can be laid under the Animal Care Act if investigators feel there was deliberate abuse or neglect. A breeder could face a fine or even jail time.
The province gets about 800 complaints of animal abuse every year, although many are unfounded. Charges are laid in only a handful of cases.
Can you help?
The provincial government pays for animal care only when it seizes animals from businesses. In this case, the owner surrendered his animals which means the dogs' care is not eligible for funding.
Donations are needed to cover the costs of transporting the dogs and paying for their vet care. If you can help, call 255-4377. You can also call the Humane Society at 982-2021.
With a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley.
