Humane society files charges against chihuahuas' ownerBy Angela Blackburncalling 905-845-1551 or online at www.More than 200 adoption applications filed for 33 dogsOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFoakvillemiltonhumane.ca.It will be an ongoing process for An Oakville woman is facing charg-the dogs to be available for adoption as es in connection to the Oakville &they recover, said Dushko.Milton Humane Societys discoveryThe humane society did leave eight and removal of 33 chihuahuas fromdogs found living in a different part her home April 1.of the home and not in the same condi-Yesterday, the humane societytions as those in the basement with reported it had laid four charges underthe homeowner.Section 18.1, subsection 3 of the"The investigation and laying of Ontario Society for the Prevention of charges of neglect were our most Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act.immediate concern. In order to con-Penalties can range from a maxi-centrate our efforts around the neglect mum fine of $60,000 or to a jail termissues, we asked for support from the of two years, or both.Town of Oakville to enforce the munic-Acting on a tip from a concernedipal bylaw that limits the number of member of the community to thedogs a person may own in the town to Halton Regional Police Service,three dogs," said Dushko.humane society officers investigated aThree of the dogs have since been claim of possible neglect at an Oakvillelicenced and five others have been re-home on April 1 and found 33 chihua-homed, said Dushko.PHOTO COURTESY OAKVILLE AND MILTON HUMANE SOCIETYhuas living in the basement. Darlene Hicks, of Oakville, is facing The officers removed the dogs andcharges that include: did cause an ani-ROAD TO RECOVERY:Tia, left, and Wendy are recovering in a foster home for dogs. They were among 33took them into the custody and care of mal to be in distress; fail to comply chihuahuas seized by the Oakville & Milton Humane Society from their owner April 1.the humane society where many of with the Prescribed Standards of Care; them remain as they are rehabilitated.fail to provide adequate and appropri-improve, with a few of the healthiest become healthy enough for adoption.support as it struggles to pay for soThe chihuahuas have captured theate resting and sleeping area; fail to dogs already adopted, said Dushko.Many of them are very timid and many unexpected, same-time guestshearts of local dog lovers and Brendaprovide adequate and proper sanitary She asked for the publics patience shy, said Dushko, noting the societys for whom it is providing veterinarianDushko, humane society fund develop-conditions and fail to provide adequate as the dogs are being adopted slowly, as animal behaviour specialists are work-care such as dental work, grooming,ment manager, said the society is vet-and proper ventilation.humane society officials match the ing with the chihuahuas.vaccinations, spaying and neutering. ting some 200 applications to adoptHicks is set to make a first appear-dogs to those families wishing to adopt As much as potential homes, the Donations are always welcome atone of the chihuahuas.ance on the charges June 14 in Ontario and most importantly, as the dogs society also asked for the communitys the shelter at 445 Cornwall Rd., or byThe 33 chihuahuas continue toProvincial Court in Burlington.Six Mistakes RetireesMake With Their FinancesFOR INVESTORS OVER AGE 50DATESLOCATIONTHURSMay 2610 am, 2 pm, 7 pmOLIVER AND BONACINI RESTAURANTSAT May 28 10 amOakville Place (Trafalgar & QEW)Seats areFREE but limitedPeter WatsonMBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSITo reserve your seats email us at info@peterwatsoninvestments.com or call us at (905) 842-2100 Ext: 7 (24 hours)www.peterwatsoninvestments.com3 Wednesday, May 4, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com