South Okanagan SPCA helping rehabilitate dogs from Williams Lake seizure

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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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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