While humans discuss the future of the 21 animals seized in a Tilbury dog fighting ring, life for the dogs themselves is much different now than it was 10 months ago.
Jennifer Bluhm, Deputy Chief Inspector with the Ontario SPCA says puppies have been born to some of the dogs, and they will eventually be adopted outside of the province.
Bluhm says that isn’t the case for the adult dogs. “The dogs that we’ve identified, they’re not pets,” Bluhm says. “Those dogs are bred to fight and only have know that life. To be held for a long period of time certainly puts a strain on the staff that are caring for them as well because they do require extensive, specialized care and handling.
Bluhm says each dog has been given a specialized care plan. “Certainly dog-dog socialization isn’t an option,” she explains. “But we certainly ensure they have their environmental and behavioural needs met when they’re with us.”
In court today, Bloom expects dates and motions to be presented regarding intervenor statuses for the proceedings, and potentially a date to be set for the start of the trial.
