The South Okanagan Similkameen branch of the SPCA in Penticton is looking for donations of chicken as they work to domesticate 24 dogs rescued from a Williams Lake property earlier this week.
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March 02, 2018 - 6:30 PM
PENTICTON - The South Okanagan B.C. SPCA shelter in Penticton has taken on a huge task as they work to domesticate 24 dogs seized earlier this week.
The animals are some of 46 dogs seized from a Williams Lake property earlier this week. Other dogs went to the shelter in Kelowna.
South Okanagan SPCA manager Carolyn Hawkins says the dogs are scared of human contact and are currently undergoing behaviour modification treatment to help them get used to people.
“They aren’t available for adoption yet, as they are in legal limbo,” she says, adding the dogs are part of an ongoing investigation where charges will likely be laid.
The SPCA could use some donations in the form of high-value foods for the dogs to be given as treats. Hawkins says the dogs really appreciate a piece of chicken, which they receive to help build their trust in humans.
“Roast chickens, such as those prepared in grocery stores, and pre-cooked chicken strips are favourites,” she says, adding the dogs appreciate hot dogs as well. Mild cheddar cheese is also a dog delicacy.
The dogs are a mixture of breeds, including mixed American Eskimo, border collie and Husky mixes.
“We’re trying to make their quality of life good, and make them adoptable, after what they’ve been through. They’ve never seen a toy, never been in a house, so we’re trying to house train them as well,” Hawkins say.
The dogs also have to be trained to accept collars and leashes.
The sudden influx of dogs is straining resources at the SPCA, but Hawkins says they are coping.
“It’s what we’re here for,” she says.
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