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People who lost 50 dogs in fire are granted kennel permit |
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Written by Alex McCuaig SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPERS
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Wednesday, March 17 2010, 8:59 PM |
While the matter is closed from the perspective of both the police and an animal rights group, a new chapter in the story of a fire which claimed the lives of dozens of dogs may just be unfolding.
A man, his sister and niece escaped unharmed from a fire in a residence last month near Etzikom, although as many as 50 dogs and puppies kept in cages inside the house perished. Another estimated 100 dogs and three horses housed in adjacent buildings survived. The surviving animals were all removed to an undisclosed location before SPCA investigators were able to ensure the animals’ health.
“The only thing that is new in relation to this (case) is they’re looking for a licence from the county to start up a kennel,” said Bow Island RCMP Sgt. Greg Squire.
A County of 40 Mile official confirmed a kennel permit application was applied for and approved but couldn’t confirm the name of the applicant at this time.
Morris Airey, Alberta SPCA director of complaints, said his organization will be looking into the recent kennel licence that was issued.
“We don’t have any immediate concerns. Obviously, with the number of dogs, we would be doing a kennel inspection if they were in fact granted a licence.”
Airey also stated the SPCA has no information that would lead them to believe the surviving dogs and horses from the fire have or were mistreated.
While police earlier indicated the dogs were being raised to sell, they didn’t know if it was the family's sole source of income.
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