It was one of the largest seizures in Alberta SPCA history — and a case that shocked the province. Images from the Milk River dogs investigation were both disturbing and heart-breaking; 201 animals, many matted, and all severely malnourished.
Alberta SPCA Peace Officers arrived on the southern Alberta property in the winter of 2014-15 to find the dogs chained outside in the bitter cold with little food and shelter. Securing immediate care for so many animals all at once was a monumental task. Rescue group Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS), as well as more than a dozen additional animal welfare organizations, stepped up to help care for these poor souls, rehabilitate them, and ensure they were rehomed to loving families. Remarkably, most of the dogs survived their horrific ordeal and went on to live happy, fulfilled lives.
Reflecting on the Milk River case 10 years later, we are deeply moved by the incredible response from the animal welfare community to that event. And while we’re grateful, we’re not surprised. Alberta’s animal welfare sector is robust with so many dedicated individuals working tirelessly to ensure animals are treated humanely so they have an opportunity to live their best lives
These partnerships within the animal welfare community are needed now more than ever. Although there hasn’t been another seizure of this scale since the Milk River case, we are seeing many smaller investigations involving large numbers of animals. In April, we had 86 animals — livestock and companion pets — come into care from one case in Mountain View County, and 72 more from an investigation in November in Brazeau County. Over the course of 2024, our Animal Protection Services team brought in approximately 900 animals; a staggering number
As was the case 10 years ago, animal shelters are stepping up again to share the responsibility of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming these animals, and we are profoundly grateful to have so many amazing partners. However, the current situation is not sustainable — for our organization or for the animal welfare community as a whole. That’s why we’re leading conversations to address the root causes that are creating the animal welfare crisis, including updating the Animal Protection Act.